Damelin gives learners a head start with In-school IT training
When learners at Die Hoerskool Menlopark in Pretoria complete their studies they will leave the school with not one but two qualifications.
Damelin Education Group has set up a computer centre which has been a resounding success, says Kobus Momberg, director of IT Training Solutions.
In recognising the major role that information technology (IT) training plays in preparing students for tertiary education and professional life, Die Ho’rskool Menlopark opened an IT training centre this year with Damelin contributing state-of-the-art hardware and IT training.
Pupils are taught computer and information literacy, technical skills, computer science and compu-typing, with pupils from grade eight through to grade 12 taking advantage of the training.
Carel van der Merwe, principal of the school, says, “The computer training at the school has been most successful. It gives the students a wide field of experience that comes with the practical training.
Die Hoerskool Menlopark prides itself on having maintained an excellent academic standard over the years and we believe that the computer centre has played a major part in the recent increased number of applicants and enrolments”.
Feedback from the pupils has also been positive.
Eben Strasheim, a grade 11 learner at the school believes that his computer training has given him the edge: “This training will give me a head start when applying for a job one day. It’s also great that the computer courses that I successfully complete at school will give me credits towards my university studies. I have learned so much through the computer centre. I now know what opportunities there are in this field and that I can broaden my horizons.”
Eben, who plans to study medicine at the University of Pretoria, said that every school should offer a similar opportunity in technology to its pupils. “At the moment Die Ho’rskool Menlopark is way above other schools in terms of the IT training that it offers.” Mia Meyer, a grade 12 learner at the school says that “Being computer literate gives you a wonderful advantage – by completing this level of IT training at school we don’t have to repeat them at university again.”
Mia, who is considering studying Computer Engineering next year, adds that the computer skills that she is learning at school would definitely be useful in the work environment one day.
The school has also opened its doors to the school community with A+ training, while computer training for parents of learners is in the planning stages. Damelin has provided IT training over the past 16 years, and with this experience, its training solutions in the field of IT can equip learners with skills needed for their future.
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, November 2001.