Computer Basics and Personality Development

 The CYP Asia Centre has always looked for ways to directly touch the lives of the locals. So, it was an occasion to cherish when nineteen girls belonging to the Below Poverty Line segment were awarded certificates on successful completion of their ‘Computer Basics and Personality Development’ course. The project was a joint endeavour of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh and the CYP Centre.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mishra said, “Knowledge is power. In the context of this century, knowledge of IT is all the more important in the lives of young people. This is not just in terms of employability but in terms of what is happening in the world. Otherwise, one would lag behind in every sphere of life.”

It was heartening to see the brimming confidence of the girls as they insisted on coming to the stage and sharing their experiences! They especially requested Mr. Mishra to lend them his ears! One of the students Ms. Manpreet Kaur, said, “This course has come as a great boon in my life. I feel so confident now and it has improved my communication skills as well. I now know the importance of learning to operate a computer“. Monica, another beneficiary added, “It has increased my level of confidence. I feel so good about the fact that I can stand in a gathering and converse with people without any hesitation!”

Dr. Roshan Sunkaria, Municipal Commissioner, Chandigarh was the guest-of-honour of the valedictory function held at the Centre. He congratulated the CYP Asia Centre on running the programme successfully, “We could not have found a better programme partner than the Commonwealth and it is a moment of immense pleasure for all of us.”

Further alliance and programmes were also announced and, as a result, a fresh batch of students would receive the training in the coming months. Four promising girls from the group were also chosen to undergo office-training for a month to help them enhance their job prospects. They have already joined the office and are working in various sections to get relevant exposure.

The Commonwealth Youth Programme Technology Empowerment Centre (CYPTEC) runs a special programme called ‘CYPTEC on WHEELS’ where a modified mini-bus (equipped with ultra modern computer systems, mobile internet facility, training aids such as LCD media projector, screens, public address systems) travels from village to village and provides ‘Information and Communication Technology’ training to youth.

The idea behind the programme is to take computer literacy to those who otherwise have no access to it. Special focus is given on imparting training to girls who might find it difficult to venture out of their homes. The unique feature of this programme is the ‘English Speaking and Personality Development” course which has been especially integrated with it.