This project was designed to upskill women from African refugee backgrounds, who had little or no knowledge of how to use a computer. Carers of Africa recognised that many women lacked familiarity with digital technology and this was holding them back from settling into life in Australia. Funding was sought to enable Carers of Africa to deliver classes to teach basic computer skills.
The grant covered the costs of interpreters, specialist IT tutors, computer guides, transport, purchase of devices, hiring of venues and refreshments.
A total of 36 women enrolled in the project and eight women have asked to continue the course to learn more.
At the beginning of the course, three quarters of the participants had no experience using a computer. By the end of the program, they were all familiar with using a desktop and a laptop computer, using printers, using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, navigating folders, using email, saving documents to USB sticks and attaching documents to emails.
The participants were keen to tell their friends about the course, to enable them to develop these much-needed skills.
The program will continue after the funding period with fundraising activities planned to support the program.
