Reimagining Opportunity for Youth in Eswatini

Building on Progress

Since our last update, the Enterprise Computer Club has continued building on the digital skills learners developed through Microsoft Word and Excel. During this reporting period, the 26 learners continued working through practical activities using the LearnFree website, with volunteers supporting them during lessons.

The group remains divided into 16 Beginner Microsoft Word learnersand10 Intermediate Microsoft Excel learners. Learners were encouraged to work through tasks themselves, with volunteers providing support when needed.

Tracking Learner Progress

Volunteers used exercise books previously donated by former volunteers Adam andIsabelle Barrett to record learners' performance during activities. In August, Adam and Isabelle also donated two pre-loved laptops, giving learners additional equipment to practise their skills during computer sessions.

The ratings recorded in the exercise books considered accuracy, understanding, assistance required, and how independently learners could complete each task.

The results show steady progress. In Microsoft Word, learners performed particularly well in text formatting (88%), creating and saving documents (85%), andentering and editing text (82%). Areas such as spelling, grammar, and page layout still require further practice.

The Excel group showed strong performance in data entry and organisation (85%), worksheet organisation (83%), and spreadsheet formatting (82%). Learners are still developing confidence with charts and completing Excel activities independently.

These percentages are estimated ratings based on volunteer observations, rather than formal examination results. All activities recorded during the period received ratings above 70%.

Looking Ahead

LearnFree will continue to be used as a practical learning resource. By the end of the year, learners will complete a LearnFree quiz, with those who successfully complete it receiving a certificate.

The next lessons will focus on strengthening the areas where learners need more practice, particularly spelling and formatting for the Word group, and formulas, charts, and independent task completion for the Excel group.

The progress this period shows that learners are becoming more confident in using computers and completing tasks independently. We look forward to continuing this journey with them.