First three deaf candidates graduate from computer literacy course

Saluted: Dorrelle Cornberg was one of three deaf employees to complete the basic computer literacy course.

UCT's Staff Learning Centre notched up a milestone when three deaf UCT employees completed their basic computer literacy course.

Dorrelle Cornberg, a research information assistant at the Development and Alumni Department, and Thumeka Ntozini and Rudolph Priestley, both of the Health and Human Rights Programme at the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, were the first deaf people to complete the computer literacy programme. They were among the 17 staff members to graduate this year, making this year's graduation even more special.

The three said the course exceeded their expectations.

"Before, I was unable to grasp certain things at work, and this course has helped me to overcome that," Cornberg explained.

All agreed that Microsft Excel was the most challenging part of the course, and Word the most enjoyable. They are now keen to move on to the advanced computer training.

Sign language interpreter Michelle Lombard, whose service was funded by a grant from the Staff Development Committee, was present during the classes to support the trio.

Staff Learning Centre manager Kirsty Holmes reported that some people who had completed the course had never touched a computer before they enrolled six months ago.

"Now that you have graduated, a number of opportunities have been opened for you," she told the group.