The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Department of Information Technology in partnership with the Sizolungisa Group Association held a basic IT training workshop to uplift and provide skills for 100 disadvantaged youth beneficiaries.

DUT’s IT department in partnership with the Sizolungisa Group Association, a non-profit organisation founded by Mr  Reddi Bambi, ( a former DUT IT  graduate), held a basic IT training workshop to uplift and skill 100 disadvantaged youths  for  five weeks from September to October 2017. The young men and women attended a pilot project initiative and were taught essential courses in Basic Computing, a programme that was sponsored by Certiport.

 Sameer Sabjee of the DUT IT department said the students were given basic knowledge in Microsoft Office packages, basic hardware/software knowledge, troubleshooting and using the internet.

“This training was based on the Internet Computing III courseware and students were given the opportunity to attempt the international exam certification. The reason such a programme was undertaken was to help unemployed and unskilled youth with basic tools in technology as it is a vital aspect when applying for jobs,” said Sabjee.

Going forward, Irfaan Ally, Associate Director at the IT department, has indicated that the department would like to continue the programme if sponsorship is sourced on a regular basis.

Pictured: The youth that attended the IT training workshop at DUT.

 Waheeda Peters