I am Kenneth T. Susano, 38 years old, married with one daughter. I am currently residing in Ibajay Province of Aklan. I love doing things that are challenging.

I worked as an electrician for several years in different companies in the Philippines and abroad. In my 15 years working in the electrical trade, I met different people in different places. I’ve learned and developed my skills from them. But one of the best teachers I had was the computer, especially the Internet and World Wide Web.

I had my first hands-on experience with a computer when I visited the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center in Banga in 2002.  I was interested to try out the computer keyboard and was shown how to access the Internet as well.  From then on, I was a frequent visitor of the Center, until I got a job abroad. While still using the FITS services through the Internet, I learned how to troubleshoot a computer.

I started developing and testing my skill as a computer technician on November 16, 2009, when I put up an Internet cafe business. What pushed me to learn and develop my skill in fixing computers was that having my computer fixed by a technician was expensive. Through the Internet, I got the information I needed to learn the trade. This time, when I have computer troubles, I can fix it in an instant. I also earn money when I fix the computers of other people.

The Internet inspired me that nothing is impossible to learn.  More knowledge on technology could help you earn big money. Through the Internet I have a hobby while earning money.

This time I am learning how to modify old cars, like repaint and set up spoiler sound to impress car buyers. Honestly, I don’t have any background in automotive. I began to learn about it when one of my cars got in trouble. I wanted it fixed that day for the next day a buyer was coming to see my car. But all the mechanics in town were busy. What I did was surf the Internet and researched the principles of car engines and how they work, until I finally understood the whole system. I researched my car trouble, asked the experts online to understand the mechanics of the computer box (electronic fuel injected) and the electrical distribution. Now, I can fix a car by my self. I have a little automotive buy-and-sell business with the knowledge I learned from ICT.   

I learned a lot of skills from other people.  I practiced what I learned as a 4-H’er Young Farmer, raised hog fatteners and grew vegetables in my backyard. I was a welder, an electronics technician, a carpenter, a mason, a tile setter. I did jobs in gun smiting, automotive painting, and even as decorator.

But I learned a lot more from the Internet by exploring the information available in the web. You can learn anything you want with just a click of a button. And the more skills you have, the better, for nobody can take them away from you. I believe that knowledge and skills are the best arms we have against poverty.

I came from a poor family.  My mother is a dressmaker and my father had no fixed source of income during my childhood. My school days were difficult because my father found it hard to find a stable job. He did not have the skills I learned from the Internet, and he did not finish his college course. I did not want this to happen when I had my own family. This is why I am very thankful to FITS Banga for introducing me to this new technology -- the computer and the Internet.