Three more students have graduated from Novell`s CNE (Certified Novell Engineer) bursary programme. The programme is specifically geared towards assisting previously disadvantaged individuals in obtaining a high-level IT qualification, thus making them more marketable in the industry.
Danny Pooe, Alfred Nkwana and Jabulani Makondo have all succeeded in obtaining their CNE qualification, which according to them, would not have been possible had it not been for the support provided through Novell`s Bursary Programme.
"Attaining CNE status has definitely made me feel more marketable," says Danny Pooe, technical call centre consultant at Medikredit. "Not only have I acquired more confidence in my own abilities, but I have also gained the respect of my colleagues and seniors. The Novell Bursary Programme is an excellent way of contributing towards the economic growth of our country, especially in the IT sector which plays a key role in the development of our continent."
Pooe calls on other international IT players to become more involved in uplifting South Africa`s citizens by establishing similar programmes. "By pooling their resources, more people will be able to benefit and the industry will reap good fruits in the long run," he says.
For Alfred Nkwana, network operations officer at the Greater Germiston Council, becoming a CNE has opened up a whole new career path. "I can now pursue other certifications such as the MCNE (Master CNE) and CDE (Certified Directory Engineer), both of which require the CNE qualification as a prerequisite," he says.
Jabulani Makondo, network administrator at the Medical Research Council, dreamed of becoming a CNE for years. "Thanks to the Novell Bursary Programme, my dream has finally become a reality," he says. "Novell has taken a bold step towards enhancing the education of particularly previously disadvantaged IT professionals. It`s one that I heartily appreciate."
Since the programme`s establishment six years ago, Novell has invested more than R2 million in producing CNE-qualified technicians. But, applicants have to undergo stringent selection criteria before being admitted to the programme.
"Accessing an education and training opportunity through the Novell Bursary Programme offers a ray of hope to those South Africans who have no access, but the capacity to participate in the information revolution. These Novell pioneers soon become critical components of organisations business processes. The Novell Bursary Programme plays a critical role in empowering these disadvantaged individuals with technical skills that gives them capacity in the IT industry` says Bursary Programme co-ordinator Patricia Leaman.
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