Another 70 South Durban residents have graduated from the Engen Community Computer School after completing a four-month training programme that equips them with essential computer skills to enhance their employability.

The graduation ceremony, held on 23 August at the Blue Roof Life Space in Wentworth, celebrated the achievements of the second cohort of 2024 graduates (73 graduated in May) and highlighted the enduring impact of the Engen Community Computer School in transforming the lives of South Durban residents.

Since its inception in 2009, the school has empowered 3 119 South Durbanites with a free basic computer skills qualification, significantly boosting their chances of finding work.

The programme’s success is evident, with 40% of the 2023 graduates securing employment or gaining acceptance into further education or learnerships.

Two proud graduates who found employment thanks to their newfound skills, and before even completing the course, were Adelaide Msweli and Seipati Sinakhomo.

Adelaide secured a position at Spar in Wentworth, and Seipati joined McDonalds, accomplishments that would not have been possible without the support and investment from Engen.

From the January 2024 cohort, Estell Bell landed a position at Assigned Services Recruitment Co., Tyla Draai is employed at Nutun, a call centre company, and Izaiah Gabin is now teaching English online. Another graduate, Vanessa Widley, also credits her new computer skills for boosting her confidence and helping her secure a position as a Skills Development Facilitator.

Sheryl Casalis, the school’s course convener and training director, praised the positive outcomes of the programme, saying: "The Engen Community Computer School training makes a tangible difference to the attitudes of those who attend. Many arrive feeling hopeless, not believing they can learn how to use a computer. They leave not only with greater confidence but also with a skill that opens up job opportunities that were previously out of reach."

Congratulating the graduates, Engen CSI Manager Olwethu Mdabula reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ongoing community upskilling. "At Engen, we believe that continuous community upskilling is key to ensuring resilience and readiness in today’s ever-changing and demanding digital world," Mdabula explained.

Engen’s dedication to education aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 – Quality Education. The company’s long-standing commitment to education in Durban is further demonstrated by initiatives such as the Engen Maths and Science Schools (EMSS), which address skills shortages in engineering and technical fields.

"Engen is humbled to play a role in positively changing the lives of community members residing near our operations in South Durban," Mdabula concluded.

The Engen Community Computer School is set to launch its final free course of the year on Monday, 26 August 2024, welcoming 80 new learners for comprehensive computer skills training.

Additionally, the Saturday group began their four-module Microsoft Word Introduction course on Saturday, 17 August 2024. This year-long course, tailored for those seeking to enhance their skills while maintaining employment, convenes every Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, covering the same content as the four-month midweek sessions.

For those eager to upskill, the school encourages enrolment in the course starting in early 2025 offering more opportunities for personal and professional development.

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