Free computer classes for Hout Bay women

Africa Aweee, a non-profit organisation aiming to empower women, children, and youth across Africa, is offering a free computer course for women in Hout Bay.

Classes will run from Monday to Thursday for two hours each day at the Future Hub in Victoria Mall, 148 Empire Avenue, from Monday, October 20, to Friday, November 28.

Applications opened on Friday, October 3, at 9am,  with only 16 spots available per class. There are still spots available for women who wish to join the programme.

According to the Africa Aweee poster, the course is open to all women aged 16 and older, with no prior computer experience required. 

Applicants only need a basic understanding of English, as the classes, exercises, and tests are conducted in English.

Founded in September 2021, Africa Aweee is an independent nonprofit based in Austria and South Africa that provides financial support for grassroots organisations.

The organisation focuses on education, food security, women’s empowerment, early childhood development, and skills training. It partners with experienced local organisations to build community-owned projects.

The NPO’s spokesperson, Lisa Boyer-Kelmer, said the computer programme offered in Hout Bay is divided into two modules: “Computer Literacy and Internet Basics,” followed by Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

“Add-ons include CV writing and interview training, online essentials, life skills, and Microsoft Outlook. Each module runs for seven weeks, combining theory with practical training. Every student is given their own computer and regular exercises,” she said.

Students who pass the final exam in week seven with more than 50% receive a certificate of achievement, and those who complete all three modules qualify for a certificate of completion at the organisation’s annual graduation in December.

The programme also allows participants to take the internationally recognised ICDL (International Computer Driver’s Licence) exams for Word and Excel, free of charge, as Africa Aweee is a certified training and testing centre.

By the end of the course, the aim is for the women to have strong digital skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, equipping them for studies, career opportunities, and everyday life, said Ms Boyer-Kelmer.

She said applicants will take part in an English test, survey, and interview — a process designed to help the trainers understand each participant and support their learning journey.

Women who are unable to secure a place will be placed on a waiting list for the next intake, she said.

The course will be taught by licensed ICDL trainers Vuyiseka Mgolombane and Zameka Ngalwa from Imizamo Yethu, who were trained by German IT specialist Andy Kupfer, who also designed the Future Hub’s programme in collaboration with Africa Aweee.

The Future Hub has been established as a safe space where women can build confidence, strengthen their technical skills, and speak openly about their challenges, said  Ms Boyer-Kelmer.

The programme will conclude with a graduation ceremony on Friday, December 12. 

Interested women can register or find out more by sending a WhatsApp message to 079 340 6761 or 067 427 5747, or by visiting the Future Hub in person.