On Friday the Community Workers Programme (CWP) held their graduation for students that passed their basic computer course.
Dikeledi Promise Lesabe, Manager of the CWP, said the computer course was initiated when they received computers from the government but had no use for them.
Mpho Keretetse, lecturer of the computer skills course, then started an initiative where CWP workers and the greater public can do a basic computer course free of charge.
Donovan Meyer, the Provincial Manager for the CWP Dhladhla Foundation, said this course was put into place to create skill and subsequently jobs.
In this three month course participants get taught the basic programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excell, Powerpoint and general computer knowledge.
He says they are trying to move away from the mindset that CWP workers can only do simple tasks like sweeping the streets.
The aim is to prepare them for the job market, make them competent, and find placements to get experience in their field.
37 students that graduated. It was the second graduation held this year. After completing the three month course, Matshidiso Baabua, Adminastrator and Skills Development Coordinator, then finds internships and placements for these students. She said,
We work well with the Municipality, and integrate with them.”
There are currenly six students that are working at the Randfontein Local Municipality to gain experience in the different departments of council.
In addition, there are another six students placed in the electrical, plumbing and carpentry departments of Sibanye Gold. These workers get paid a salary funded by the government.
The challenges they face are getting placements for there students and internships. They appeal to all businesses to contact with them shoud they have any placements available. Any computers that are not being used will be of great help to them.
Former student, Tayyeba Varachia said,
This course empowers you, as the way forward is to educate yourself and gain computer skills.”
Tayyeba recently completed matric and is planning on studying further.
