The Gender and Disability section, a subdivision of Social Services at the George Municipality, did a need assessment within the rural areas and identified the need for basic computer skills. The interests and needs of disable people are taken into account by provision of accessible and equitable services. This programme provided much needed skills empowerment to these people, which can add towards them living an independent and sustainable life.
The goal of the programme was to give the attendees a clear understanding of how knowledge in computer programmes can influence their lives. They were taught the basic skills regarding a computer.
While these skills may seem obvious to certain people, many people have never taken the time to learn these basic, but very important, skills or never had the opportunity to do so.
Cynthia Boltman, coordinator of Gender and Disability, said computers were once a novelty for the rich and curious. "Today, they are virtually a necessity for all. Basic computer skills should be the ability to turn on your computer, open a programme and do a basic cleaning and a de-fragment task on the computer."
Councillor Marchell Kleynhans, portfolio councillor for Social Services and Rural Development, said people with disabilities should learn skills to firstly help themselves and secondly be of benefit to the workforce, where skilled people are always needed.
"Our aim as George Municipality is to empower our people and people in rural areas will certainly not be left behind," he said.
.JPG)
The group from Thembalethu and Lawaaikamp who attended a Basic Computer Skills training programme at the George Municipality's training centre in York Street.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
