At least 32 students, including women and youths, graduated from the St. Peter Clever computer and Ecological Center in the Lakes State capital, Rumbek, last Friday after completing computer courses.
The Jesuit-run educational institution, established to support vulnerable people, offers courses in Basic Computer Graphics and Design, Fundamental Design Principles, Graphic Design Software, Visual Communication Skills for Different Media, and Applied Design Thinking, among other courses.
Fr. Lucas Rukasingi, the center’s director, told Radio Tamazuj over the weekend that the grandaunts completed a two-month course in basic computer and graphic design.
“As a center, we have much other knowledge that we offer. One of them is solar technology and domestic electrical installation, which takes about eight months. We also have mechanics and driving courses, which take about 16 weeks, after which whoever graduates can find a job,” he explained. “We have seen a number of them working in different areas and institutions, and some of them are doing personal businesses, and some are repairing vehicles. Some of our former students who did photography and videography have opened their own studios in the town, and they are covering weddings.”
“My message to the community here in Rumbek and Lakes State in general is that if we want to develop our state, we need to have many people join these technical courses. And you are all welcome to the center,” Fr. Rukasingi added.
Abraham Machot, one of the graduates, said he would use the knowledge he acquired to survive.
“I was worried that I would not manage, but I committed myself, and I will apply the skills I obtained over the last two months out there. The first lesson I learned was the basic operation of the computer and things like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher,” he said. “We were also taught office practices and how to relate with other people in any institution, and also how to dress.”
Loria Grace Julius, another graduate from Eastern Equatoria State who is a mother of four and resides in Rumek and works as a nurse at the Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital, said she was overjoyed to complete her computer studies.
“We have been awarded certificates, and it is very nice, and I am very happy. The current modern world is full of technology, and if you don’t know anything about computers, you can have a job and still be demoted,” she said. “However, if you have basic knowledge about the computer, you can easily be hired. I encourage people who want to get computer knowledge to come to the center.”
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