Non-profit organisation (NPO) New World Foundation, in partnership with the Western Cape Government, launched an E-centre at its new training and development centre in Vrygrond.
The launch on Thursday 26 September will enable business owners, students, learners and residents to have free access to the internet.
Ward 45 councillor Mandy Marr said the centre was much-needed in the community.
“At the E-services hub, people can do their CVs or school children can do their homework or projects,” she said. “I am very pleased that this facility opened because it is something that is needed as everything in today’s world has become digital.”
The facility is aimed at residents from Vrygrond and the surrounding areas such as Lavender Hill and Seawinds.
NPO director Erica Jacobs explained that the skills centre is in the process of being renovated to be used for Seta accredited training.
“We are in the process of renovating the skills, education and training centre,” she said.
Conservation
“It is a wetland, so we also had Cape Nature come in to repair areas because as a conservation it is rich in biodiversity.”
Plans for the skills, training and education centre include courses on conservation, agriculture as well as health and wellness.
“The agriculture programme started a month ago and we are doing Seta accredited training,” said Jacobs.
The new E-centre will provide services where students of the courses can study and have access to a computer lab.
“Students can use the centre to do assessments and portfolios or research while public sessions are open to the general public such as business owners and students at universities and colleges,” she explained. “For them they would be allowed two hours of uninterrupted internet access at the business hub.”
For the public and school children, the centre will have internet sesssions for 45 minutes.
“We have a public access space where children can come for 45 minutes to do homework or members of the general public can do their CVs.”
She encouraged learners and residents to use the centre to do research and assignments.
“We don’t type up your CV but we will help you set up your email address and train you how to use the keyboard and how to log on and off for example,” said Jacobs. “Anyone who is busy with a project and research, we offer 10 pages of free printing in addition to free internet access.”
