The Puma Scope community project is aimed at helping previously disadvantaged people learn computer skills. This project is located in the Lowveld and it's surroundings.
Our team consists of four people, Niel van der Walt, Oan de Waal, Derick Pretorius and Johan van Staden. We have ventured to the lowveld for two weeks of hard work (fun as well). Niel and Oan went to Mkhuhlu (25km from Hazyview) to educate people at Mavimbela Primary school. Johan and Derick were of to Malelane to teach learners at Suikerland secondary school.
Mkhuhlu - Mavimbela Primary School
Oakley A
Mkhuhlu
Mpumalanga
The target group Niel and Oan had to work with was quite wide. They had a 4 groups: grade 5 and 6, grade 7, school teachers and the final group, the community members. Most of them have never worked with a computer before.
The teachers and community members had the opportunity to receive a certificate if they attended 80% of the classes we presented them.
The groups were taught very basic computer skills. To start of, they were given an introduction to computers and what they mean for us in everyday life. They were also learned how to use the mouse, keyboard, computer trouble shooting, certain programs (like Microsoft Office and Paint), computer file navigations and general knowledge.
The place where Oan and Niel stayed is about 5km out of Hazyview and 30 km out of Mkhuhlu. "Idle & Wild" was a great place to stay. They had free Wi-Fi Internet access, a swimming pool, a sauna, a jacuzzi, quad biking and river rafting.
Malelane - Suikerland Secondary School
P.O. Box 127
Malelane
1320
Derick and Johan’s classes was more experienced with computers. Most of the learners, teachers and community members have worked on computers before.
We presented three courses in the two weeks. The first course was for school learners and was presented in the mornings for two weeks. The second course was presented in the afternoons of the first week (i.e. after the learners went home). This course was for school teachers and community members. The third course was presented in the afternoons of the second week. This course was for a second group of teachers and community members.
In all the courses the basic working of a computer was taught to the classes. Microsoft’s Word, Excel and PowerPoint programs was taught and after the course all the attendees had a basic knowledge about these programs.
In the second week the school learners, which consisted out of grade 10 and 11 learners, also did some basic programming. They enjoyed this part of the course the most. They also appreciated this part of the course a lot because programming isn’t presented to them as a subject at their school.
