Bilkent University runs many activities which involve voluntary service to the community. One of these programs is computer courses for students chosen from high-schools in the less fortunate districts of Ankara. The lessons are taught by Bilkent students who have volunteered to take part in the project.
    The program has started its 7th year. Announcements calling for volunteers were made last week, and it was very pleasing to see that many of the students who took part in the program last year joined again this year, in addition to a large group of new volunteers.
    Courses are offered at two levels: Beginners level courses, offered at the schools, consists of basic word processing and spreadsheet applications. This course takes place on Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. Transport is provided for the volunteers to and from the schools.
    The Intermediate level courses are given Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. at the computer laboratories in the CTP Department, on East Campus. This course consists of more detailed spreadsheet and database applications, together with basic web page design and presentation techniques, and is offered to students who have successfully completed the first course. For both levels, lecture notes and weekly assignments are provided.
    During the past 6 years we have had over 100 Bilkent students as volunteers in the project from many different Departments, including Physics, Communication and Design, Management, Electrical Engineering, Accounting and Computer Programming. Being a volunteer requires only basic knowledge of computer applications. What is more important is commitment, a sense of responsibility, and the desire to help others.
    We thank all the students who have volunteered to take part in the project this year, and hope that this enthusiasm will continue for many years to come.