A new programme designed to help individuals feel more at home around computers is being offered through the public library.

Already available at the George Town and West Bay libraries, basic computer skills courses will soon be taught at the Bodden Town and North Side branches.

The weekly classes will last one-and-a-half hours. Over eight weeks participants will receive an introduction to computers. They will also learn about: Microsoft (MS) Windows operation and Windows Internet Explorer. Other topics are to include: interface, editing and formatting in MS Word, as well as the Internet and email.

Robert Geofroy, who teaches at the University of West Indies Open Campus will lead the course at the West Bay library.  All other locations will be co-instructed by Library Services Director Ramona Melody and Librarians Deborah Powery-Zureigat and Terri McLaughlin.

Explaining the motivation behind the decision to organise the training, Ms Melody says: “The Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs has charged the Public Library Service with the responsibility to develop as a learning partner for the community, providing point-of-need learning opportunities within the various districts. This is one such programme we are offering to meet that goal. Providing community members with opportunities to learn computer basics will assist their ability to secure employment, enter educational institutions and access consumer information.”

“Our goal this year is to teach Introduction to computer basics courses three times at George Town and twice at West Bay. We would also like to teach the course at the BoddenTown branch twice, but, it will be dependent on the number of computers available,” she adds.

The course is available to all residents and is offered at a nominal fee of ten dollars to cover the use of supplies.  As there is a limit of eight spaces per course, registration and payment are required to secure a seat.

This programme is also available at no-charge to registered members of the National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA).

For more information please visit your local library or the library website at www.cipl.gov.ky or call 345-949-5159 (George Town), or 345-949-7659 (West Bay).

Photo credits and captions:

Photo credits:  courtesy of GIS Marketing & Communications

Photo 1 caption: Students each have their own computer to work on as they are introduced to computers and basic programmes at the TechBytes course.

Photo 2 caption:  Students receive one-on-one assistance as needed throughout the course.

Photo 3 caption: Students gain confidence with newly learned skills through practice and support.