Montfort Boys Town students learn computer skills
Learning computer skills might sound mundane to some, especially to those privileged to have been born a digital native. For the underprivileged youth at Montfort Boys Town, Shah Alam who had just graduated from the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) certification course recently, this was a means to explore their capabilities and reach their full potential to prepare themselves for the working world.
The ICDL course, held since 2011, is part of the Fraser & Neave Holdings (F&NHB) IT Corner programme to help the youth at the school acquire the necessary computer skills to enter the working world.
Designed for youths from different levels of digital literacy, the ICDL course helps beginners improve and fully grasp basic computer skills for common real-world application.
At the graduation ceremony for the latest batch of 44 students who successfully completed the course, F&NHB Corporate Affairs manager Cariessa Goh said: “The ICDL course offers an avenue for the students to attain fundamental knowledge and skills in basic computer applications including managing files, word processing, developing spreadsheets, database and presentations, image editing as well as information and communication functions.”
Twenty-year-old Bryan Lit Zhen Cong who graduated with flying colours in Computer Maintenance, scored full marks each in Presentation and Spreadsheet while getting above 90 per cent marks in Word Processing and Computer Essential respectively.
“The ICDL course has truly benefitted me as I am now able to use Microsoft programmes efficiently and effectively. I could not believe that I achieved the highest score for Presentation as it was quite a challenging subject for me to learn during the course. I am really happy with the results and the certification gives me more confidence to strive for greater success and explore various career opportunities in the near future,” he said.
Another student, Elizabeth Abon decided to pursue the certification in Graphic Design and Multimedia as she is passionate about drawing and wanted to unleash her creativity and unearth her talent in the area.
“My family encouraged me to work hard for a successful career. I have always enjoyed drawing and the ICDL course has strengthened my focus to achieve my ambition. I really enjoyed the ICDL course and it offers something for everyone.
“My favourite subject was image editing whereby I had a chance to learn vital software for graphic design such as Photoshop. With the ICDL certification, I hope to build a graphic design portfolio that will help me when I begin my design career,” said the 21-year-old.
Monfort Boys Town head of programme Michael Lee expressed his gratitude to F&NHB for the Group’s continuous effort in helping the students learn the new skill sets.
“Throughout the years, the F&N IT Corner programme has helped these youth gain access to exceptional digital literacy resources and also boost their self-confidence, which led them to believe that they too can achieve amazing things despite their underprivileged backgrounds. Their contribution which will have a longterm impact on the students as they now have the right tools employers are looking for in today’s digital age,” said Lee.
Montfort Boys Town deputy director S. Arul, echoed Lee’s sentiment as he said;“As the world is fast heading into digitisation and automation, most of the jobs out there require STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills. However, not everyone has access and the necessary funding for proper programmes to encourage computer education.”
“For the past nine years, graduates of the ICDL course have gone on to become successful professionals in their respective fields, thanks to the F&N IT Corner initiative. We are committed to continue working closely together with F&NHB to prepare today’s youth for the future,” said Arul.
Montfort Boys Town is dedicated to providing welfare and education to underprivileged youths, so that they can lead a better life and future. The school accepts applicants between the ages of 16 and 19 years old. Priority is given to orphaned youths, those from single parent families, those from very poor families, dysfunctional families or minority ethnic groups.