Training

The focus in the training sessions was on equipping and empowering the Pomfret MPCC/ICT Hub members in their community to build up the necessary computer and business skills to be able to integrate the use of computers into learning and business opportunities.

At the request of the Pomfret community, training was provided in an additional MPCC-related occupation, namely Project Manager (this was in addition to the training in the three standard MPCC occupational streams of Business Advisor, Content Provider and Technical Assistant).

The emphasis therefore was on the following areas:

• Basic computer skills
  
• Principles of computer-aided learning
  
• Business planning skills
  
• Project management
  
• Applying these skills to practical situations affecting the Pomfret region
  
• Being exposed to higher-level business planning tools
  
• Developing relevant information collection, storage and application skills

The training involved the following type of trainees:

• Pomfret ICT Hub members.
  
• Members of the community leadership in Pomfret (in PC literacy).
  
• Members of the Pomfret community (all candidates interviewed for the MPCC training - about 40 people - were eventually trained in at least PC literacy)

The training was expanded to present nine candidates for MOUS certification and twelve candidates for Word Level 1 certification.

• Pomfret MPCC as a business addressing the PC training, business skills, desktop publishing and content creation needs.
  
• A number of other business plans were written, but only the one mentioned above was implemented and successful, the rest are currently in a process of seeking funding.
  
• A number of case studies were done.
  

The following web sites were created by the various delegates attending the content creation training sessions:

• Personal Websites
  
• Pomfret MPCC Website
  
• Websites for businesses in the area

Technological infrastructure provided in the Pomfret area

• PC's (5xPentuim III), various software and combined printer, fax, scanner and copier were provided to the Pomfret MPCC. All the PC's were networked in the MPCC. Start-up stationary and MPCC clothing was provided, as well as six desks and chairs.
  
• In addition, a digital camera, laminator, guillotine, ring binder will be provided in July 2002, plus all stationary associated with the mentioned equipment.

Attention is being given to the following:

• A business plan has been developed for extending the services of the MPCC to cater for the community needs by means of a digital camera, laminator, guillotine and binding machine.
  
• A business plan has been developed for the development of a Cultural Village.
  
• A business plan has been developed to utilize the grow and use the Devil's Claw for medical purposes
  
• A business plan has been developed to establish a game farm in the region.

• 28 January 2002 to 01 February 2002

• 18 February 2002 to 22 February 2002

• 11 March 2002 to 15 March 2002

• 08 April 2002 to 12 April 2002

• 06 May 2002 to 10 May 2002

• 03 June 2002 to 07 June 2002

• 22 July 2002 to 26 July 2002