“The computer is involved in everything – in purchasing, in interviewing, in the job search. The computer is involved everywhere, but we are the people of a previous era. Though I know computers, when I was working, computers were not so important.”

Nazeer Ahmed, Computer student

Sponsored by his brother, Nazeer Ahmed immigrated from Pakistan to the United States in March of 2010. Born in Karachi, Sindh on Indian Independence Day, Nazeer lived most of his life in Pakistan, working as a successful planning officer with an airline for thirty-two years.

After moving from Detroit to Chicago in June of 2010, Nazeer settled in a residence close to Devon Avenue. Immersed in the tight-knit neighborhood, he found Chicago full of people interested in helping each other and sharing information about their community. Many of his neighbors and friends suggested that he build his computer knowledge – skills that would increase his marketability in his job search. By word of mouth, he discovered the Indo-American Center’s computer classes and promptly enrolled in the July 2010 beginner session.

Although Nazeer had some basic familiarity with computers and an email address prior to enrolling, he was greatly dependent upon his son for help. His experience in the class has helped him to learn to navigate the computer by himself, building his basic computer knowledge and typing skills. “Each topic that we cover becomes my favorite. It is my nature,” says Nazeer. “Whenever I am involved in anything, I like it. I am a jack-of-all-trades – that kind of man. I can talk on geography, medicine, every topic. I’m not an expert in one, but I can touch everything.” As he develops his technology background, Nazeer now has yet another subject in his arsenal for discussion.

As Nazeer looks to his future in the United States, he hopes to see a dialogue between Americans and new immigrants arise. “There must be close contact between those new people arriving in the United States and those born here,” he says. “There needs to be communication to expose the different cultures and the problems that these people are facing. There must be a Center and everyone should be invited to give a presentation about their race – their country – and discuss what can be done for deep coordination.” As the Indo-American Center grows and continues to serve an increasingly diverse community, it hopes to foster these conversations inside of its walls, giving voice to the unheard.
 

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