Computer Proficiency Creates New Opportunities

Warm greetings.

Here's an update on the classes: Classes are progressing well at the school.  This report includes an update from the Computer Class Tutor - Maada M. and 3 brief video thank you messages for the girls - true gems, expressing their appreciation for your support that has opened this door of opportunity for them.

Summary Report from Maada, Computer Tutor
 

Course Topics:

1. Definition of a computer
2. Parts of The Computer system (Keyboard, mouse, monitor, system unit)
3. Classification of computers by Size (desktop, laptop, palm top etc)
4. Characteristics of computers (speed, accuracy, size, storage)
5. Advantages and of Disadvantages of computers
6. Uses of computers (Home, Education, Government, Hospital etc.)
7. Definition of software (Ubuntu)
8. Desktop elements and their function (computer, document, trash)
9. Creating folder, renaming and deleting folders.
10. Changing background
11. Changing date and time
12. How to use (play)  utility games
13. Working with Open Office Programs (Microsoft Office)
14. Elements of the Open Office Program (title bar, menu bar tool bars, work environment)
15. Creating a file in open office word processor
16. Editing a documents in open office (use of spelling and grammar)
17. Formatting a document in open office (use of Bold, italic, bullet & numbers, line space, underline etc.)
18. Reproducing simple office documents like; letters, memos, invoice etc.
19. Introduction to Excel (Spreadsheet)

General Performance:

From the assessment / test done, I am proud to say that the general performance of the pupils is good. A test was conducted on 23^rd and 25^th of January 2012 for the class 6 pupils. From the test results, 18 of the pupils scored 80%, 25 scored 50-79%, and 11 scored below 50%. It is hoped the pupils will improve on this record in the next assessment which will be done in April.

 
Concluding Remark:
The whole exercise is very encouraging because the literacy in computer studies is allaying the fears of the pupils and because of the basic computer skills they have acquired they can now operate a computer. This will widen their horizon as they grow up and be able to appreciate the essence of computers not only in school but in other environments. It has also aroused their interest and got them to realize the importance of computer studies.

Here is a link to a Youtube Video where 3 of the Girls say "Thank you" for this opportunity"

What we are doing together is amazing and its heart-warming to see and hear the messages of appreciation from the girls.  W are truly changing mindsets together and opening a new world of opportunity for these girls.  All thanks to YOU!.  Thanks donors and friends for joining us in showing girls (as aptly said by Bintu in the video) that we love and care for them!  We deeply appreciate your support!

In closing, I would like to share a new phrase with you - "Smile Maker" : A "Smile Maker" by my definition is someone that makes others smile or helps to create an environment that results in smiles.  As you can see from the photos and video clips, the girls are smiling and very appreciative of your support. That makes you a "Smile Maker"!

We welcome your donation today that will help us provide on-going training, window curtains and ceiling fans or an air conditioner. 

Thanks again for your support and best wishes!

Links:

• Youtube thank you message from 3 girls

2012 is off to a Great start - Thanks to your support. Our girls are very delighted to be back in school after the Christmas break.  The girls asked me to pass on to you their best wishes for a prosperous 2012 - our dear friends and supporters.  Because of your support, the girls are continuing to make steady academic and social progress and they are deeply grateful.

What we are doing together is truly broadening their horizons and changing their mindsets.  This is laying an excellent foundation for the development and learning in our digital age.

A very special "thank you" goes to our new donors / supporters - especially those who participated in the Girl Effect Challenge.  Although we did not secure one of the top positions, the campaign helped us secure additional support and publicity.  We together successfully raised about $1600.  With these funds, we have started additional sessions - expanding the training offered.  We are also planning to purchase a network server to provide additional training resources.
 
2 links are provided in this report to photo albums on Flickr where you can see the girls excitedly learning.  These photos were taken this year, 2012, at 2 different sessions.

We invite you to consider signing up for recurring donations or make another donation today!.  This is the best way to help us provide on-going training.  All amounts are welcome and we are truly shaping the next generation.  This is exciting!

Hope you have a tremendous year!

Links:

• FAWE Class Wednesday January 18th 2012
• First Class January 2012