The local arm of the global non-profit organization Mozilla, makers of the open-source web browser Firefox, launched an initiative geared towards helping parents, educators, and students by means of giving free technical support during their homeschooling.
Dubbed as Project AskAlab, the Mozilla Philippines Community (MozillaPH) brings together volunteers (both Mozillians and Non-Mozillians) who are selflessly willing to share their time and talent to people who need homeschooling-related technical assistance. The project name came from the organization’s Filipino mascot named “Alab” (blaze).
Utilizing the power of social media combined with a tech support tool to ease the (technical) burden experienced by homeschooling stakeholders during this community quarantine, the online project will provide:
- Technical support to common hardware used for homeschooling (desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, etc.)
- Familiarity and basic troubleshooting on basic questions about online conferencing tools such as Jitsi Meet, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and Zoom among others.
- Guide on how to use productivity software like Libre/Open Office, Google Docs/Sheets, Microsoft Office, etc.
- Surviving their homeschooling in general.
To avail of this free community-powered service, you may go to their website at http://www.mozillaphilippines.org and click on the “HELP” button to launch the support ticketing platform. Using this system, correspondence will be done via email. The other option is by joining the AskAlab Facebook Group via https://www.facebook.com/groups/askalab.
“Originally, we envisioned that Project AskAlab will just be done using a support ticketing system and email. But then we realized that there would be homeschoolers who may not even have access to regular internet but can access the social media network of Facebook — thus, we thought of creating an FB Group as well. We need to be where people who need help are,” according to MozillaPH in a statement.
At present, MozillaPH’s Project AskAlab has a pool of thirty (30) volunteer techies who are more than willing to help anyone who needs technical assistance. Those who wish to sign-up as techie volunteers may use this online form. The non-profit organization conducts a regular online meetup for its volunteers and supporters.
Know more about the Mozilla Philippines Community by checking out their social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.