A little help from the community might be all the children at Eluxolweni Shelter need to become the next Bill Gates or Mark Shuttleworth, thanks to the initiative of Grahamstown’s College of the Transfiguration.
As part of the continued social development projects organised by the college, five theology and ministry students have chosen Eluxolweni as the recipients.
A little help from the community might be all the children at Eluxolweni Shelter need to become the next Bill Gates or Mark Shuttleworth, thanks to the initiative of Grahamstown’s College of the Transfiguration.
As part of the continued social development projects organised by the college, five theology and ministry students have chosen Eluxolweni as the recipients.
The students aim to raise sufficient funds to provide a computer training facility for the shelter’s children. The “focus is on sustainability” says Vernon Hammond, one of the project’s organisers.
He regards computer skills as a basic necessity for the future of these children, many of whom have never used a computer before.
Hammond talks about a child at the shelter “with tears in his eyes” from bewilderment when confronted with a computer for the first time.
The idea is to train children at the shelter to become instructors themselves so when the college’s students finish their work on the project, it can continue without them.
Beyond the obvious computer skills the project aims to teach, there are also a “lot of life lessons” to be learnt, says Hammond.
Individually respecting property and sharing the facilities means that the children will learn to “handle things with care” adds Matsietso Duma, another of the college’s student involved with the project.
Currently the children at the shelter attend computer lessons on Fridays. A testament to their strong belief in the project is seen by the college’s students’ willingness to make their own laptops available for these sessions.
This is a short term solution for minimal resources. To make the project work, the college plans to appeal to local businesses for any assistance they can give.
Hammond acknowledges that this year has been tough financially, but believes that the goodness of Grahamstonians will prevail, like that of Garry Jevons at IT Solutions.
Jevons has agreed to supply some of the computer equipment at cost price and to complete the installation for free.
Happy with the support already shown, Hammond urges more businesses to show their support for the project.
The goal is to provide five computer workstations at an estimated cost of R7 500 per unit, but Hammond says that he is trying to reduce the price while remaining realistic about expenses.
Social Development is a major focus at the College of the Transfiguration. There is currently construction work in progress where a workshop is being erected where members of the community who are in need of skills can receive training.
This is all being paid for by the college says Percy Chinganga, a lecturer at the college. Like all charitable initiatives, money is the driving force.
Despite great plans and thoughtful motivations, resources are always needed. If you would like to assist, or find out more contact Vernon Hammond on 071 239 0484.
