The levels of computer hardware, software and Internet usage skills have increased substantially following the completion of the latest round of Community Computer Camps (C3) run by the Mogalakwena HP i-community recently.
That`s the word from Imraan Jassat, head of capacity building at the HP i-community, who says this year`s training has gone a long way towards assisting students and members of the community to become computer-literate.
"The intention of the C3 programme is to bring people up to speed with the basics of computer use. As such, the week-long courses offer an introduction to hardware, open source software applications, browsing the Internet and using e-mail," he explains.
"We realise that people in developing regions do need to meet more basic needs in their lives. However, by equipping them with computer skills, we are hoping to also improve their potential for finding new or different employment."
This year`s camps, which were subsidised to minimise the investment needed from the students, were rather oversubscribed. However, they still managed to train 750 people via the HP i-community`s headquarters in Mokopane and the 12 community access points around the municipality.
The graduates ranged in age from 13 to 74 years old. This year`s star of the course was a young man with no hearing - he proved to be one of the fastest learners, despite his disability.
"The people of Mogalakwena are starting to recognise the value of the training - as such, we anticipate that C3 will become a regular annual event," says Jassat.
"What has really made a difference are the levels of awareness of the benefits that C3 can provide. People have seen how last year`s camps impacted friends and colleagues, so they are now more keen to be involved. Plus, C3 prepares people for the other more intensive computer training courses run by the i-community."
The C3 programme has both a short- and long-term potential impact. In the Short-term, it enables people to understand computers and how they can be used in their daily personal lives. In the longer term, it helps to demonstrate the broader impact that technology can have on their lives - such as using it for business, research and international correspondence and communication.
For the future, Jassat says the HP i-community is developing other training courses and training methods - including face-to-face training and distance learning courses.
"We are providing graduates with public access to computer systems and the Internet through the infrastructure we have at our Mokopane headquarters. We are also educating people on the remote or distance learning trainings that can be embarked upon. Our aim is to increase computer-literacy among as many of the members of Mogalakwena Municipality as possible," he adds.
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