Cape Access is bringing ICT to Vanrhynsdorp

Vanrhynsdorp is a small town located in the Matzikama Municipality. It is part of the Cradle of Human Culture Journey that highlights the development and mysteries of human culture of the past 100 000 years. 

Along the N7 about 307 km north of Cape Town, 23 km east of Vredendal and 80 km north of Clanwilliam, you will find the small town, in what is commonly known as the North West. Before 1881 Vanrhynsdorp was known as Trutro (TroeTroe). It was renamed in honour of a local Petrus Benjamin van Rhijn.

The Vanrhynsdorp e-Centre was one of the first centres to open its doors when the Cape Access Programme started. It provided the community with access to email, internet and various government services. The e-Centre opened in 2004 with limited services on offer but as the interest in information and communication technology (ICT) grew basic computer literacy was introduced. In 2012 International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) training formed part of the many services to the community.

Currently, the e-Centre has between 20 to 30 visitors daily. Visitors who were previously unfamiliar with ICT now have opportunities to get skilled in various training programmes on offer. Like many small towns in the Western Cape, opportunities for growth and socio-economic upliftment are limited. The e-Centre is making an impact on the lives of the community by making computer skills development accessible to the people.

Services at the e-Centre include:

• Access to computers and the internet (45 minutes a session)
• Computer assistance
• Email facilities
• Online job searches and applications
• Help setting up e-mail accounts
• Access to government information and services

Training:

• e-Learner: comes with an entry-level accredited certificate.
• International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL): seven-month accredited course.
• Informal computer training.

One community member that is making a change in his life, stands out for the centre manager, Kevin Horn. Jerome Kotze was injured in an accident in 2014 while training for the athletics season. His life was changed forever and he  needed a wheelchair to get around. After the accident, he was unable to complete his matric year and the e-Centre made it possible for him to attend computer training. 

“He always left his wheelchair at the door and hopped on one leg into the computer room”, Horn recalls.

“He tried everything he could to go on like any other student in the class. Any challenge that came his way, he overcame, and he asked for help when it came to training. He completed the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL).

Visit the Vanrhynsdorp e-Centre at the Thusong Service Centre at 1 Mandela Street. The e-Centre manager, Kevin Horn, and development manager, Doreen Sikhondo are ready to assist.

Contact:
Tel: 027 219 2031
Email: vanrhynsdorp.ecentre@gmail.com