Randburg Library’s e-champs computer programme is equipping pupils in the City with computer skills and setting them up with a great foundation for the rapid technological growth of the fourth industrial revolution. Groups of eager and curious pupils visit the library on Wednesdays to learn the ins and outs of computers.
Njabulo Mdunge, a Librarian at Randburg Library and facilitator of the programme, says the aim of the Young e-champs computer programme is to teach pupils to use technology intelligently.
Mdunge says “the purpose of this programme is to provide students with basic typing skills, which are the most important part because it’s how you enter things into the computer”.
“With the appropriate knowledge, young e-champions won’t only use computers for games, streaming of online videos but also for school. They’ll be able to use computers to get the most out of all their projects.”
The programme was initiated in 2019. It returned in 2022 after the Covid-19 pandemic caused the programme to stop.
“I am now resuming it on a high note, and it’s going to take place every year in the last term of the schools,” says Mdunge.
The programme further aims to teach pupils the different components and parts of a computer.
“Computer literacy is the ability or knowledge to use computers efficiently and effectively. Acquiring computer literacy would enhance the learning process for young e-champs in manifold ways.
I am using an old PC that we had to strip out, the reason for stripping it out was to show the learners the different computer components and be able to name them.
“This programme is about assembling, upgrading, and troubleshooting the computer as they are expected to restore the computer components.”
He was inspired to implement the programme after seeing other countries do the same and expose children to computers at a young age, which is instrumental.
“It was also important for this project to be implemented at my library, as I have already obtained a master’s degree in the study that was focusing on the usage of information technology. I have a strong understanding of information and communication technology terminology and practices. Randburg Library is leading when it comes to the adoption of information technology.”
The programme has increased the number of learners visiting the library. Mdunge says with the help of the internet, students can find useful information about their projects and assignments, as well as useful assistance from other researchers, as they store and organise their research material on computers.
Every Wednesday at 13:30, the Randburg Library hosts the e-champs computer programme, which is open to children aged from 9 to 15 years.
“There’s still more to come, but let’s go digital with our young stars,” Mdunge adds.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
14/11/2022