WBOY Coverage of BIKISI in Upshur County, West Virginia

BUCKHANNON -- Buying a computer can be expensive, so why not make one yourself? That's what nine young adults, some with disabilities, are doing in Upshur County, in a class called "Build it, Keep it, Share it," or BIKISI. "At the beginning of the week they learn the background of the computer. Wednesday they usually start building the computer and toward the end of the week they put the software onto the computer and learn how to troubleshoot," said Debbie Myers, a program director at Region VI Workforce Investment Board. The Region VI Workforce Investment Board and Mission West Virginia are sponsoring the class. Students said they're learning a lot: "Today we are building laptops, which is really cool because I've never had a laptop," said Tasha Carrico, a student. "It's got all kinds of little teeny, tiny screws. It's got all kind of different little chips. Got a power cord, dozens of different little pieces that go in it," said Ty Marfiele, another student in the class. Instructors said students will install Windows Vista on their computers, along with Microsoft Office. Aside from learning how to build a laptop, the students are also learning other skills: "It teaches them how to work in groups, how to take instructions. It's just a really nice, well-rounded program that helps students with life, with college, trying to get a job," said Matthew Delong, a BIKISI instructor. Delong said he's hoping the class will inspire students to continue their education in computer ...

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