Equipping Monfort youths with IT skills

SHAH ALAM: In today's technologically-savvy society, there is no denying that computer literacy and competency are essential skills that employers demand when hiring new employees.

With that in mind, F&N Beverages Marketing SdnBhd initiated the F&N IT Corner programme in 2010 to level the playing field for underprivileged youth in the marketplace.

In line with the F&N Malaysia's corporate sustainability programmes in support of educational excellence, the F&N IT Corner aims not only to provide computers to the students, but also ensures that each of them is equipped with the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) certification.

The ICDL provides students with marketable computer and information communication technology (ICT) skills.

The first F&N IT Corner was set up at Montfort Boys Town here, followed by the Montfort Youth Centre in Malacca and the Montfort Girls Centre in Monfort Boys Town last year.

F&N has to date invested RM175,000 in the F&N IT Corner programme to equip the Monfortcentres with the necessary computers, printers, projectors, Internet access, as well as funding to conduct the ICDLprogramme.

Speaking at a ceremony to acknowledge the 45 students from Montfort Boys Town and Montfort Girls Centre who recently completed the ICDL course, F&NBeverages corporate affairs manager CariessaGoh said that the company plans to continue its efforts so that new students from the centre will also benefit from the ICDLprogramme.

To date, 75 Montfort students have completed the ICDL course.

"This has been a fruitful investment for F&N as we were able to help students gain a firmer footing in the workforce and set the pace for a better future for them," said Goh.

The ICDLprogramme consists of seven modules to develop an individual's computer proficiency as well as in common applications such as understanding basic ICT concepts.

It also helps students manage files, do word processing, use spreadsheets and databases, and make presentations, among others. The students are required to pass a minimum of four modules that test their computing knowledge and skills after six to eight months of training.

Besides the F&N IT Corner, F&N Malaysia's educational initiatives for underprivileged children across Malaysia include the F&N Sensory Integration Room in schools to cater to special needs students, and the F&NSudutIqra to encourage reading and build confidence among schoolchildren.