A state-of-the-art computer donation to the value of R550 000 will ensure that unemployed youth in Vrygrond have access to crucial IT literacy opportunities. On Wednesday 7 February, the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) handed over 25 computers to the Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation.
A state-of-the-art computer donation to the value of R550 000 will ensure that unemployed youth in Vrygrond have access to crucial IT literacy opportunities.
On Wednesday 7 February, the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) handed over 25 computers to the Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation.
Faried Boltman, a SAMCT representative, says education is one of their key priorities.
“In terms of computer literacy, in every job nowadays, you need to have some form of computer skills. Many people are computer literate but just need a little bit of education and need to be taught the basics to be developed further.”
Recognising the importance of using the latest technology in teaching computer skills, the SAMCT equipped the foundation’s aging computer lab with new equipment. “These are crucial skills and an important part of skills development.”
Boltman reiterated that having basic computer literacy skills enabled people to go on to more advanced IT skills, such as programming.
“In our technology-driven world, computer literacy has emerged as a fundamental skill that empowers people to get ahead in the digital age.
“Computer literacy is critical to shaping our daily lives, equipping people with knowledge and skills to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.”
Mymoena Scholtz, the founder of the Foundation, says the new computers will benefit residents from Retreat, Vrygrond, Seawinds, Lavender Hill, Steenberg, Grassy Park, Pelican Park, Overcome Heights and all informal settlements in the area.
“We are based in a poverty-stricken area and faced with a high unemployment rate, so we see the reality of many people every day. We’ve come across many people who don’t have food on their table but want to do the computer course.
“But because our computer lab is also one of our income generators, we put a small fee attached to the training of a basic R300 once-off ”.
Scholtz says although a fee is attached to their three-month computer training course, residents do not get turned away.
“We encourage people to come and don’t allow the money to stop us.
“We rely on sponsors to sponsor a student for that R300.”
Students learn basic Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail, internet skills, how to access a job search online and CV writing skills.
“One of the students went for a job interview and, unfortunately, didn’t get the job because of computer literacy, which is such a crucial aspect of entering the world of work.
“We found a sponsor for her and today she is doing the computer training course, but there are so many other students who don’t have the money.
“We have students who have never been exposed to computers, so we encourage them to upskill themselves.”
Sandisa Feyina (24) from Capricorn, who has never used a computer, attended his first computer class on Wednesday.
“I wanted to come and gain knowledge on how to use a computer. I’m from the Eastern Cape and I have my Grade 12, but never touched a computer before.”
The unemployed youth hopes that increasing his skill set with basic computer training will boost his chances of finding a job. “It’s been almost four years that I have been unemployed. I want to work for law enforcement and actually received a call from them, but there is no guarantee that I would be employed permanently.
“By attending this computer class, I hope it will give me the information and knowledge of how to apply for a job.”
