Magic School Bus
Posted on by Kolbe
Here at Rideshare we love going green. That’s no big surprise I’m sure. With that in mind, when I hear a story about someone who recycles an old bus, you know it’s going to peak my interest. Then I learn that the bus was recycled by a 76 year old woman who has turned it into a roaming computer lab to benefit poorer communities. That settled it, I had to share the story here because it’s that great.
Just like I started to say, at age 76, Estella Pyfrom recognized that there was a lack of access to computers for some children in lower socio-economic communities. She also recognized the danger of a technological divide. A split between people familiar with using computers and others who are less comfortable with them. So Estella took matters into her own hands and set out to give everyone access to computers and internet.
She spent her life savings. Bought a bus and had it converted into a traveling computer lab. It is fitted with seventeen computers and access to high speed internet via satellite. The bus travels to different communities and gives access to kids and adults, from age three and up. The bus provides training and classes on everything from basic computer and internet usage, to supplemental lessons on reading, math, and science. Adults also have access to things like online banking tutorials, and job search assistance. In short, Estella Pyfrom is making a difference in her community and doing the whole thing in an upcycled bus. Estella Pyfrom, we salute you.