Forum helps pupils into the computer age

The Zweletemba Youth Forum recently launched a computer programme, a community driven programme, that would help matriculants understand the basics of computers. Here is Simphiwe Ndzima showing Nosisi Ngewana how to create a curriculum vitae. In the background is Balungile Sofuthi helping Phelisa Funani with her curriculum vitae. PHOTO: MATTHEW SHELDON

The Zweletemba Youth Forum (ZYF) recently launched a computer programme to help pupils, especially matriculants, to better equip themselves with basic computer skills.

The main goal of the forum is to empower the youth and help them find solutions to problems they’re facing.

According to Balungile Sofuthi, chairperson of the ZYF, too many high school pupils are suffering because they are not computer literate.

“The problem is and has always been that we only have one high school in Zweletemba (Vusisizwe Secondary School) and that the school does not provide a computer subject,” said Sofuthi.

A maximum of five pupils can be accommodated per day at the Zweletemba Multi-purpose Centre for an hour of class, usually from 16:00 to 17:00 from Mondays to Saturdays.

The pupils are taught how to use programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and are also shown how to create their own curriculum vitae.

According to Nosisi Ngewana, a pupil from Vusisizwe Secondary School (VSS), they don’t have the facilities at their school to help them learn more about computers and mentioned that the computers are either too old or need repairing.

“This computer programme is helping me and my friends a lot. Its important that we at least know the basics of the computer otherwise it will make our lives difficult when we go further our studies,” said Ngewana.

More than 100 pupils are currently part of the programme.

Sofuthi said that it will be a “fantastic day” when VSS offers a computer subject to its pupils.

The deputy principal at VSS, Reginald Ceasar, did confirm that their computers are old and they do not have the infrastructure to accommodate it as a subject at the school just yet.

“Everything is computer driven these days. What the forum is doing for our pupils is really good. We did apply to the Western Cape Education Department for computer as a subject at the school but it was unsuccessful,” said Ceasar.

Ceasar mentioned that this programme will help empower the pupils and advance their personal development for easier employment.

VSS added that they will apply again in the near future to be able to a offer a computer subject at the school.