The non-profit organisation (NPO) known as Alok Tele Centre in Thokoza held a graduation ceremony at Mlando Restaurant on Friday, November 11.
The purpose was to award certificates to students who had attended an End-User Computing course since the beginning of the year.
One of the facilitators, Sphelele Hadebe, said the course empowers their students with skills in all the Microsoft Office programmes as well as internet and email.
“When they finish training, they are ready to work as admin assistants or to work at a call center,” said Hadebe.
Hadebe explained the criteria the organisation uses when selecting students.
“Students must have a matric certificate and must come from a poor background.
“In order to prove that a student comes from a poor family background, they must have referral letters from the social workers or ward councillor.
“All our students were referred to us by social workers or ward councillors,” she said.
Hadebe mentioned that the NPO is a branch of Siyafunda Community Technology Centre and is accredited. The registration number is ATC/2015/07/0010.
According to Nozibele Mlonyeni, a course facilitator, the course went very well even though there were challenges.
“We couldn’t give students homework because they don’t have computers at home, except for a very few. If you give students homework to do, they have to come back and do it in class the following day, which delays the teaching.
“Sometimes if they have to do their homework, they have to go to libraries far away.
“Others do not have money, so it becomes impossible to attend classes sometimes. We need someone who can help us with more computers and transport to move our students to and from the centre,” said Mlonyeni.
Mlonyeni said those who would like to know more about what they do can come to their offices at 8015 Khumalo Street, Thokoza 1426, behind Thokoza Police Station.
One of the graduates of the centre, Phindile Dlamini, said the course was very interesting and their facilitators were amazing.
“I did a computer course before but a very long time ago and had already forgotten what I had learnt. The course reminded me what I had forgotten and also helped me learn new things as well.
“Our teachers were very patient with us and repeated to us what we misunderstood until we got it right.
“With the skills I have acquired, I can look for a job as a receptionist or as a data capturer,” said an ecstatic Dlamini.
https://www.citizen.co.za/kathorus-mail/14795/izibuko-primary-prize-giving-ceremony/
