REFINERY NEWS May 2012

Above: Eighty-two graduates were presented with certificates for successfully completing a basic computer course at the Engen Computer School
Engen Computer School changing lives
Refinery Call Centre Operator, Nokukhanya
Dlamini thought she knew all she needed
to know about computers until she heard
about the Engen Computer School run by the
Added Advantage Academy which is operated on
the Refinery’s behalf.
Enrolling in the course was easy; the challenge
was finding time to attend the day course as
Nokukhanya works shifts at the Call Centre.
Determined to complete the course she chose to
work night shifts for six months for the duration
of the course.
“It was not easy working night shifts every
day but I knew that my sacrifice would lead to
success. The course exceeded my expectations
and I learnt many new skills. The facilitators are
very knowledgeable and we all forged life-long
relationships,” says Nokukhanya.
She is one of 82 Engen Community Computer
Training Centre graduates who received their
certificates at a recent certification ceremony held
at the Refinery.
Five pensioners who also received their
certificates proved that one is never too old to
learn. Retired Wentworth Councillor, Derrick
Parsons (75) says he was inspired to do the
computer course when he saw people sitting
at an internet café. “I looked at them and they
seemed to be having fun and I thought this is an
interesting challenge – I must learn how to use a
computer.”
More than 500 students have acquired new
computer skills since Engen embarked on the
partnership with Added Advantage in 2009. These
have included added proficiency with a personal
computer mouse, the keyboard and general
competence at using Microsoft programmes like
MS word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as emailing
and logging onto the internet.
Director of the Programme, Sheryll Cassalis says
over 120 students who were unemployed before
taking up the course are now employed. She
believes that this can partly be attributed to the
computer literacy as well as business skills they
have learnt at the Training Centre.
Above: Call Centre Supervisor, Brenda Ndlovu and Public Affairs Manager,
Thandeka Cele congratulate Refinery Call Centre Operator, Nokukhanya
Dlamini (centre) on her achievement
Right: Refinery Fire Fighter, Jabulani Sithole (left) who also
attended the course to enhance his computer skills, encourages
other Refinery employees to attend the course
engen Refinery news May 2012 // 5