Sandra Simon, YWCA of Malaysia's project co-ordinator, conducts the computer classes at the centre.
She said that students who do not have any IT knowledge are paired off with those who have a bit during the classes. "This way, they can help each other out," Sandra said.

Girls that attend vocational training at the YWCA of Malaysia are taught computer skills to better equip themselves in the workplace. Many of them attending the class wouldn't have been able to do so before due to financial constraints or simply because these classes weren't available for them.

During the classes, students are taught how to produce simple Word documents, Powerpoint presentations as well as spreadsheets. They are also allowed to surf the Web, under the guided supervision of a trainer, for information and other material.

"The class is great and if I have any difficulty I just ask Madam (Sandra)," said one L.Vijaya, 23, a personal care giver trainee at the centre. Vijaya said the computer classes elsewhere are expensive so it is a great opportunity to learn at the centre. Another student, K.Sembagavah, 18, is coached by her roommate, Sheryl Nez, 21, during lessons. Nez took up basic computer lessons in school and is familiar with the PC, unlike Sembavagah. "I didn't have the opportunity to learn computer skills because I was too busy with my studies," Sembagavah said.

The students, however, said that they found these classes too brief. "It's a weekly session and we only spend two hours in the class," said one trainee who commented that this was not enough time for them to learn and retain the lessons and would prefer if they could have the classes more frequently.

Article adapted from ' Doing their bit' By JO TIMBUONG, The Star, Malaysia, Sept 04, 2007

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