Eighteen people undergoing rehab in Hangberg for substance abuse logged on to a five-week computer course on Mandela Day.
The introductory course will teach them basic computer skills, including how to find their way around an operating system, use the internet and send and receive emails. It is being provided at no cost by a Hout Bay computer company, Lyfe Computer Technologies, as a Mandela Day good deed.
“I never knew about computers, but now I know” said 29-year-old Tyrone Nefth, after attending the first day of the course, held at Sijonga-Phambili Adult Learning Centre in Imizamo Yethu.
Mr Nefth and others on the course are clients of Hangberg Dreams, a non-profit rehabilitation centre based in Hangberg.
Zulfa October, the founder and CEO of Hangberg Dreams, said the course had come as blessing for their clients, many of whom did not know how to use a computer.
“These are essential skills they are currently being equipped with for the future. When they do leave the recovering home, they would have acquired an essential skill.”
Another trainee, Vicky Mathee, 41, said she had been exposed to computers over the years but her knowledge was still rudimentary. “What I learnt today I can build a solid foundation for my future and hopefully choose a career that will amplify my personal skills.”
Toufeek Fardien, 26, said he hoped the course would help him find a job once he left the recovery home.
Lyfe Computer Technologies founder Life Mpilo Manuwe said he had wanted to do something different for Mandela Day.
“I realised that majority of organisations just give food, which will last for that day, but that person may be unemployed and look for help again, rather assist with training that they will use by starting their own stuff or by looking for a job.”
Lyfe Computer Technologies collects unused computers to train those in need.
“To provide training, we collect unused, unwanted computers, then convert them to provide computer training for others,” said Mr Manuwe.
