​University Students Prepare for Computer Lab reopening!

The saying "it takes a village" comes to life when volunteers put their unique skill sets to work to increase and improve our impact in Mabopane.

This past weekend, a group of 5 students from the University of Pretoria's JCP Module volunteered in our computer lab, improving infrastructure and software systems - a long-awaited project disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown restrictions. 

Their handiwork came just in time for us to reopen several of our free skills training courses for community members. Computer Skills is by far our most popular course, and, being a highly desired skill in the workplace, has enabled numerous learners to secure employment in various fields. 

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Our computer lab now has a total of 26 working computers, including updated operating systems and Microsoft Office suites. Our projector has been erected on the ceiling for the facilitator to utilise during classroom sessions. All wiring and cabling in the room has been neatly taped in place and organised to eliminate the risk of people tripping over them or damage to the hardware. Our 3 admin office computers, which we welcome community members to use to work on their CVs, typing skills and MS Office skills, have also been updated.

We thank Janco, Adriaan, Eugene, Rohan and Vian for their commitment to this project, despite several hiccups caused along the way, and for taking our hands in creating a beacon of hope for residents of Mabopane. You have made a huge impact in hundreds of learners' lives to come, helping us to provide them with not only a quality education but excellent facilities in which to do so! For many students, their time in our classroom is their first experience with a computer.

A special thanks also to Martina Jordaan, Gernia van Niekerk and Eugene Machimana from the JCP Module at University of Pretoria. The JCP Module, which connects nearly 2000 skilled students to over 400 organisations every year, requires students to conduct a community service-related project for their chosen section of society. It encourages students to step out of their own social background and develop an awareness of personal, social and cultural values, as well as multidisciplinary and life skills, such as communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. Thank you for a longstanding partnership, University of Pretoria!