Rheenendal eCentre brings opportunities

RHEENENDAL NEWS - For many young people in Rheenendal, life after school has often meant limited opportunities, unemployment and an uncertain future.

But a new eCentre in the rural community is already changing that narrative by opening doors to education, job opportunities and skills development.

Officially opened earlier this month, the eCentre has quickly become a hub of hope for residents eager to improve their prospects and build a better future.

The initiative forms part of the Western Cape Government's drive to ensure that all residents, regardless of where they live, have access to digital opportunities and essential online services.

Residents can use the facility for internet access, printing and scanning services, assistance with CV writing, online job applications, digital literacy training, entrepreneurship support and access to government services.

Knysna Councillor Hilton Stroebel said the eCentre has already made a significant impact since it started operating in March.

"At the heart of the operation are two young local women, centre manager Tameryn Waggenstroom and development manager Anoxolo Velelo, who assist residents on a daily basis. In just a few months, the eCentre has recorded impressive results."

Services provided:

146 residents have been assisted with compiling CVs
321 online job applications were submitted
20 university applications were completed
10 Sassa applications were processed.
Training and skills development

Sixteen residents completed a basic computer training programme and will receive certificates, and 11 new participants have enrolled and started their training.

Early success stories

One resident was accepted into the Shosholoza Ocean Academy Employment Opportunity Skills Mecca Initiative, while nine eCentre users secured places in the Skills Mecca NQF Level 5 Quality Management Systems learnership programme, which runs over six months.

The centre has attracted 433 registered members and facilitated 3 383 user sessions, each lasting 45 minutes.

For a community where opportunities have historically been limited, the eCentre is proving that access to technology can be about far more than computers and internet connections.

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