EMPOWERING RURAL YOUTH: A JOURNEY TO COMPUTER LITERACY

By Evans Molimi

• Mbali Nkosi, one of fifteen graduates, celebrated achieving an NQF level 3 certificate in computer literacy, expressing fulfilment in realising her dreams as a rural youth.

• The Department of Social Development and MTN Foundation collaborate to empower youth in rural areas like Idlebe, and KwaZulu-Natal, through computer skills initiatives, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Mbali’s transformative journey underscores the significance of the graduation ceremony, aimed at reigniting a culture of learning among rural youth and inspiring them to explore educational avenues and career aspirations.

While the future after attaining an NQF level 3 certificate in computer literacy remains uncertain, Mbali Nkosi expresses the heartwarming feeling of fulfilling her dream as a rural young person. At the age of twenty, Mbali is among the fifteen graduates who have successfully earned their level 3 certificate in basic computer literacy.

An initiative by the Department of Social Development and MTN Foundation aims to empower young people with computer skills in rural areas like Idlebe in KwaZulu-Natal. Mbali believes that the certificate she received will serve as her ticket to her next destination.

Arriving at the Idlebe Community Care Centre and walking into the computer lab room for the first time was nerve-racking, says Mbali. “I never thought that one day be able to even have an opportunity to sit in front of a computer to switch on let alone use it.”

Mbali expressed her belief that young people will now pay more attention to the Centre for their educational needs following the graduation ceremony. Aspiring to become a lawyer, she highlighted how the Centre enables them to research and acquire relevant information for further education, funding opportunities, and improving job-hunting skills.

“I have never had an opportunity to brand myself in such a way that I can motivate others. But now through the skills I received at the Centre, I will be able to motivate others to do the same and believe in their educational dreams. With the skills I receive, I am going to encourage more young people in our area to value education,” explains Mbali.

Mbali can now brand herself in a way that motivates other young people to reconsider their life goals. She emphasised that life is not solely about obtaining a Grade 12 certificate but also about building successful careers by unleashing the hidden potential of rural youth.

“This was a truly transformational journey for me. It was a joyous journey for us to be presented with an opportunity like this. I am so happy. This programme helped me to unleash my hidden computer skills,” she said.

The graduation ceremony aims to encourage other young people from the surrounding area to reintroduce the culture of learning in rural areas like Idlebe. The partnership strives to inspire young people in rural communities by providing them with an opportunity to acquire computer skills.