Kouga Wind Farm’s recently launched basic computer literacy course has been enthusiastically received by residents of our communities, equipping attendees with marketable skills to gain meaningful employment and helping those already employed to improve their working knowledge.
Funded by the wind farm and facilitated by Rehoboth Training Solutions, an adult training facility based in Humansdorp, the programme was initiated to improve access to and literacy in information technology.
It has been rolled out in the Humansdorp, Sea Vista and Umzamowethu communities and over 100 people have already taken advantage of the free course, with more to follow this month.
Participants learn computer basics such as mouse control, typing skills, printing, operating Microsoft Word and Excel, and how to send and receive e-mails.
“We hope this will be an ongoing programme, training as many keen people in the area, especially previously disadvantaged women and youth, as possible,” says economic development manager Trevor Arosi.
Enthusiastic participant Melicia Khondlo, 36, says she is very optimistic about securing a job now that she has the certificate of completion under her belt.
“We had done the basics at school, but it was the bare minimum. Now I have acquired so many skills: I can type – and not using just one finger! I have learnt to do Excel spreadsheets, I have learnt the basics of operating a computer and so much more.
“Better still, I really enjoyed myself while learning these new skills. I am so happy, and grateful, to have been given this chance.”
Ntombekhaya Plaatjie, 35, says she did not know how to use a computer before and plans to continue upgrading her new skills.
“Now I feel very positive about the future,” she says. “I am not going to let age stand in my way; I will draw up a CV and try to get a job.”
After forgetting much of the basic computer skills she learned at school, Enechia Kriega, 34, says this course really helped her.
“I particularly enjoyed working in Excel as there was a lot that I did not understand previously.”
Enechia, who works at a crèche, says the course left her feeling completely motivated and that she plans to do more in the future.