HOPE/e-Learning Outreach Project

The e-Learning Development and Support Unit (EDSU), of the University of the Western Cape is committed to become a leader and producer of knowledge in the community through the innovative and effective application of information and communication technologies, systems and services (ICTS).

In its recent eLearning/ HOPE Worldwide Outreach Project which was launch on the 29th July 2008, they bridge the gap between theoretical projects and practical project by training Hope Worldwide fieldworkers on MS Office packages.

The problem arose from the fact that the fieldworkers have access to computers but they lack skills on how to utilize basic computer programmes, e.g. Microsoft word, Excel, etc. HOPE Worldwide Manager Mrs. Joan Daries approached one of her Internship student from UWC Mrs. Nelisiwe Maleka (Masters in Admin.) to device means of capacitating the fieldworkers with relevant basic computer literacy training so that they can have the skills and basic knowledge to use computer programmes in their day to day office duties.

Mrs. Maleka appraoched Mr. Ncedikhaya Magopeni (Manager: VICE-RECTOR: STUDENT AFFAIRS) to assists them. He then refer it to eLearning Development, Support Unit (EDSU) Manager Mrs. Juliet Stoltenkamp who gladly agreed to assists them and proper arrangement were formulated to meet the needs of fieldworkers. Mr. Mavela (eLearning Student Support coordinator) was selected to administer and facilitate this project.

The project took place at Thintana lab every saturday for 12 weeks with some class exercises and tests between.

Lesson covered:

• 3 Weeks for MS Word
• 3 Weeks for MS Excel
• 3 weeks for Powerpoint
• 3 weeks for Internet and email

Outcomes

Learners were able to:

• Record the information/data of the performed activities for safe keeping and future references.
• To use the recorded data to monitor and evaluate the status of their programme.
• To use the recorded data to compile their programme reports.
• Use graphs and pie charts to illustrate the outcomes of the programme.
• To search information on the internet for the educational purposes that they offer to the community.
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• To communicate by e-mail.
• Learners confidence in utilising Computer Literacy skills were Developed and strengthen to suit their daily office duties.
• Learners are able to do their awareness programmes through Powerpoint presentation.
• To use search engines for relevant topic in preparation for their awareness programmes.
• To communicate with fellow collegues and national office bearers.

Both Learners and their Manager agreed that the project was a success and recommended the project for any illiterate person to undergo it.

Qouting one of the student

" I would like to thank Mr. Mavela, Issa and UWC for taking the trouble of training us with the skills which are necessary for our development. He was so patient with us and always willing to help assists us. The training was supposed to be 2hour per session but because we were slow and needed extra cautious attention he then extended it to three full hours without complaining about his supposed to be family time. He has done this without expecting a pay as he was training us outside office hours without payment. We really need a person of his calibre to develop our communities and to equip us with skills which will later benefit us to combat poverty "

To view HOPE Worldwide view on this project, please feel free to open the below link:

http://www.hwwafrica.org

As elearning team, we are glad to be part of this historic programme and hoping to be involved in more community based project through the Office of Vice- Rector.