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IT centre will equip Sowetans with computer skills

CONNECTED Jabulile Tshabalala, 13, a Grade 7 pupil at Isulihle Primary School at the Emndeni Community Technology Centre relaunch in Soweto. 22/11/07. © Sowetan.
CONNECTED Jabulile Tshabalala, 13, a Grade 7 pupil at Isulihle Primary School at the Emndeni Community Technology Centre relaunch in Soweto. 22/11/07. © Sowetan.

Tebogo Monama

Tebogo Monama

A community information technology (IT) centre in Emndeni, Soweto, was yesterday relaunched after upgrading.

The Emndeni Community Technology Centre, situated at the Emndeni Library, was established in 1999 in response to a lack of knowledge and opportunities in the IT sector.

It was relaunched because the computer software at the centre had been upgraded recently.

The centre, known as a digital village, was funded by an internationally renowned company and aims at teaching computer skills to Soweto residents. It offers four-month and six-month courses.

The centre operates a comprehensive IT skills transfer and general telecentre service. A key part of the project is the transfer of knowledge and skills to increase levels of employability among the youth.

Nombuyiselo Tyana, one of the volunteers at the centre, said: "We have a variety of people in the centre. Younger children mostly enrol for the six-month course as they have to go to school, and unemployed adults take the four-month courses."

The IT company's community affairs senior director, Akhtar Badshah, said the centre's aim was to breach the technology gap. "It is not only important to transfer skills to young people, but it is also important that the elderly be able to use computers," Badshah said.

Kgaugelo Lekgoro, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, said: "Government asks you to take this opportunity with both hands and encourage children to use the facilities to better their future."

The Emndeni Community Technology Centre is equipped with 20 computers with the latest software. The company has more than 200 digital villages in the country, of which 60percent are in Gauteng.

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