Business: Grande Launches 1st Mobile Computer Training Program

First in Negros, the launching of free computer training program yesterday at Brgy. Daan-Banwa, Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Dubbed as Barangay Mobile Computer Outreach Training, the program aims to bring computer education to the barangay to help the less privileged out of school youths in the community, to enable them to find better livelihood through computer literacy and hardware repair.

Engr. Eddie Granada, founder of Grande Computer Outreach & Training Center which originally started in Victorias City 7 years ago and later transferred to Bacolod City, has decided to go back to Victorias. This time, on a new scheme, mobile computer training, in partnership with the barangay council through Barangay Capt. Juvy Pepello. Former Victorias councilor Donie Galinato and son MC Jibby donated 5 units of computers with computer tables to start the program. The trainers and training management are handled by Grande, while the venue, electricity and water, and other administrative expenses are borne by the barangay council.

First batch of trainees are 21 teachers of Barangay Daan-Banwa Elementary School because they need the skills most. According to Leda Legada, OIC, “there are 39 teachers in the school, however, only five are computer literate.

Ironic because the pupils must have computer lessons but the teachers are still naive in computer operation.

The free training offered by Grande and the barangay council of Daan Banwa is a great opportunity to us. This will not only benefit the teachers but also the pupils.”

The training will be held every Saturday for 6 weeks, in two sets, morning and afternoon sessions.

Brgy. Capt. Juvy said, although basically the training is for the out of school youths, we preferred the teachers as first batch of trainees because they have multiple effects in the skills transfer. For the out of school youths, computer literacy is in demand nowadays. Computer literates find jobs easier. This program is a big help to by-standers. They don’t need to spend for their transportation because the program is already made available for them. With Grande, they can have a better life,” Pepello stressed.

Former Councilor Galinato and son MC Jibby initially donated the computer units because they believe that education is the only key to solve poverty and other social problems.

After Brgy. Daan-Banwa, other barangays will follow, until all barangays in Victorias will be computer-literate and people will be given the opportunity to economically uplift their status.

Mc Jibby, inspirational speaker said, “this is not only our mission, but a challenge to work together to help the trainees fulfill their potentials. The stronger our economy, the stronger our country will be. Education is the single, most effective lever, and most important lever for growing a diverse and highly skilled work force.”

Chairman Jocson will be monitoring regularly the outcome of the training.

Those who will successfully finish the training will be issued certificates of completion, with the confirmation of TESDA.*