Thursday, June 23, 2011

What Is A Computer?


One of the most pressing issues facing the Manenberg community is unemployment. Learning the basics of information technology opens up a broader range of potential jobs. To that end, SHAWCO's Manenberg Centre offers a two-week computer training to local adults in hope of making them more marketable. With the guidance of SHAWCO's program leader, Vince, VISAGE students are working directly with program participants in a one-on-one (sometimes one-on-two) fashion to help get them up to speed on general computer use, word processing, email, and web browsing.

We've grappled with the question of to what degree IT training helps to ease the burden of unemployment in Manenberg. There are very few jobs available, and program participants may not be lucky enough to secure them, even with computer skills. An important point raised in our group, however, is that despite the fact that the program may not lead directly to employment for these community members, they are becoming empowered to participate more fully in a computerized world. This empowerment may be an important tool in  making Manenberg a better place moving forward.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Arrival!

Welcome. Welkom. Wamkelekile. VISAGE participants began arriving in Cape Town on Friday this week, and they'll continue rolling in through the weekend. The official program kicks off on Monday. VISAGE 2011 is partnering with the Students Health and Welfare Centres Organisation (SHAWCO) at the University of Cape Town, and we look forward to working with Lana, Alecia, Nandi, Cyril, and the rest of their great staff! Students will spend most of their days attending lectures at the university, volunteering at the SHAWCO Manenberg Centre, and exploring the area to learn about South African society and culture. Our work in Manenberg will include supporting SHAWCO's adult IT training program and their youth development program. This blog will document the experience and continue to be updated by VISAGE participants as things unfolds. Here's wishing everyone a wonderful five weeks!