WCG eCentre brings information, skills and opportunity to Kranshoek
The Western Cape eCentre Programme, formerly known as the Cape Access Programme, through the Kranshoek eCentre aims to change the lives of the Kranshoek community by providing access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Kranshoek has a population of roughly 5 600 citizens. As in many other rural communities, the need to become computer literate and have access to Information and communication technology (ICT) has steadily increased. Recognising this need, the then Cape Access Programme opened the Kranshoek eCentre on 6 April 2015.
For the last 5 years, the eCentre has accommodated up to 50 visitors a day. The eCentre is managed by the development manager, centre manager and a Premier’s Advancement of Youth (PAY) Project intern.
The eCentre offers the following services and training at no cost:
Services
- Internet access (45 minutes a session).
- E-mail facilities.
- Help setting up e-mail accounts.
- Assistance with online job searches and applications.
- Computer assistance.
- Free printing (maximum of 10 pages a day).
- Assistance with typing of CVs, business plans and obituaries.
- Research information for school, college and university projects.
Training
- e-Learner: entry-level accredited certificate.
- International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL): seven-month accredited course.
- Informal Computer training.
The eCentre performs an important development function in the community. The development manager, Cecil Jansen, says that the eCentre is helping to provide and grow e-skills starting with the younger kids. “We have been helping school kids with school projects and research. We also have Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes,” Jansen said.
With guidance from the staff, many of the visitors to the eCentre gained the computer skills needed in this technological era. One such person whose life has been enriched is a former eCentre manager, Taman Jasson.
Jasson enrolled for e-learner training and completed it successfully. Upon completion of the training, two positions opened at the eCentre and with her newly gained knowledge and skills Jasson decided to apply. She was appointed as development manager and 2 years later she applied successfully for the centre manager position.
“The staff are committed and dedicated to helping and assisting the community to enable personal growth and allowing the community to access and gain computer knowledge. "Better jobs, better grades in school, better opportunities overall are what we want for our community,” Jansen added.
Contact the eCentre
Tel: 044 533 0584
E-mail: kranshoek.ecentre@gmail.com
Visit the eCentre at the Multi-Purpose Building in Trekker Road. The eCentre is open from 9 am until 5 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and from 9 am until 4 pm on Fridays.
The eCentre is closed on public holidays.
More about Kranshoek
Kranshoek, a settelement in the Garden Route about 15km from Plettenberg Bay, was founded in the early years of the 20th century by a group of Griqua trekkers, under the leadership of Abraham le Fleur, who had been displaced from their land in Kokstad.
