BACKGROUNDER

iSisters Technology Mentoring Inc. is a Canadian charitable organization that was founded in 2001 by a group of teachers in Ottawa.

Its mandate is connecting women in need with technology through mentoring. Its purpose is to create technology learning opportunities through partnerships with non-profit organizations that support women in need.

iSisters' mission is to:

• provide access to technology;
• develop and deliver technology mentoring programs; and
• enhance career opportunities through technological awareness.

PROGRAM PARTNERS

Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO)

The Learners - new Canadian women who are survivors of violence.

The Program - In collaboration with IWSO staff iSisters has developed a new program geared to help new Canadian women learn technology skills, explore career options and build self esteem. Learners in this program also have access to work placements through our partnership with Adecco.

Youville Centre

The Learners - Young mothers facing economic, social and/or academic barriers who use the education and outreach services of Youville Centre.

The Program - New courses developed for Youville include topics such as Internet basics, web design, media literacy and presentation software. Learners have access to technology learning opportunities with a strong focus on employability skills. We encourage and promote life long learning and empower women with more career opportunities through technological awareness.

Tungasuvvingat Inuit (T.I.)

The Learners - Unemployed and underemployed Inuit women who use the community services of T.I. and staff.

The Program - The iSisters have created an employment centre at T.I. where weekly onsite technology mentoring programs are offered to Inuit women focused on employment skills, ICT (Information Communication Technology) skills training and life-long learning.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa

The Learners - Big Sisters and Little Sisters

The Program - A Digital Video (DV) Camp with Big Sisters and Little Sisters. An 8-week hands-on camp provides an innovative, new program for Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa. Participants create a digital video entitled 'Our Story' about the relationship between the big and the little.

St. Mary's Home Community Outreach Centre

The Learners - At risk pregnant teens who live at, and use, community services of St. Mary's Home, Ottawa. Ages 14-21.

The Program - an academic support program to support the integration of technology into teaching and learning. In this program learners build websites and learned how to use Palm mobile technology among other information communication technology skills.

Cornerstone

The Learners - Women who are homeless and seeking emergency shelter

The Program - Cornerstone learners are women who are homeless and seeking emergency shelter and supportive, transitional housing

iSisters Technology Mentoring

Website: www.isisters.org
Phone: (613) 565.7337
Email: info@isisters.org