THE Valley Trust recently celebrated the opening of the computer lab, which aims to uplift and upskill dozens of unemployed youth in the Valley of 1 000 Hills.
The trust began as a centre for health promotion by Dr Halley Stott in 1953 and has since grown into an organisation with many outreach programmes that focus on the promotion of child health and development to the improvement of physical, emotional and mental health.
Samantha McPherson, a volunteer at the trust, said she joined forces with the organisation to help make a difference. “The unemployment rate is high. I have worked with youth before and many are unable to use a computer. It is no longer a case that jobs are just advertised in newspaper or on notices, but on the internet. If they don’t have access to the internet, how will they know what jobs are available? The centre will assist youth in building their confidence and I have been humbled by working on this project,” said Samantha.
There are currently 40 people taking part in the three-month programme. During the course they will go through six modules, including introduction to information technology, using computers and file management, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, internet and e-mail. Each class consists of 20 students at a time and cover the modules during their four hours of class time. Once the course has been completed, each student will have a completed portfolio of evidence.
Executive director of the Valley Trust, Sbongiseni Vilakazi, said at the opening that the computer lab will have positive outcomes and that a revelation was taking place. “Not only will they come out with skills but they will also come out with a sense of self-belief,” he said. “I would like to thank the Joy Stott Trust, Solon Foundation, Dr Robin Stead, Samantha McPherson and the youth of the valley for wanting to empower themselves.”
