PYC3716 - Portfolio.

PYC3716 - Portfolio. 1. Section 1: Evidence of my work for Each Activity Activity: 1 eGeluk Programme – Lucky to be Learning Geluk means lucky in Afrikaans. I come from a small suburb called Geluksdal, in Brakpan, which is made up predominantly of poor to working middle class Black and Coloured people. The community has not been improved or developed in any way over the past few years. The shops are still the same 3 shops that we always had, the community centre is no longer in existence and the community sports field is now un-kept, shabby and dirty. It’s amazing how the actual area is reflective of the people in the community as well. The youth of the community are turning to drug use and gangs due to unemployment and lack of education. It has been sad to view this slow deterioration of the community that I grew up in. The type of project that I believe would benefit my community would be a Basic Computing Work Readiness Programme. The youth in the community, although familiar with the workings of mobile devices seem to lack basic Office Computing skills which are essential in today’s working environment. Many of these youths are unable to send emails or open Word documents never mind utilising the correct language and grammar required in the Business environment. Many of them have never even put a PC or laptop on. It is actually un-believable. I have identified 7 resources that I would require in order to start this project – they include: 1. Networking – This would be one of the key resources in getting a project like this off the ground. I would have to research and develop a network of organisations and people who would be able to assist me in various capacities from the development of content required for the programme to people who can present the content. I will also require people who will be able to volunteer their services to us in various capacities from administrative, financial , Information Technology as well as people issues (HR) to name a few. 2. Information – I would have to research organisations and NPOs who are currently offering this kind of service to disadvantaged communities and learn from them in terms of setting up a project like this. I would engage with them to understand their experiences and to learn from them. It would be good to note their “lessons learned” and how to avoid possible pitfalls. 3. Financial Aid – Due to the nature of this type of Programme, quiet a large injection in terms of Finances would be required. This could be done by fundraising initiatives as well as through donations (by speaking directly to organisations that have CSR divisions (www.iSchoolA). An organisation who is already doing this kind of work is Mimecast, please view link below: story_fbid=&id= 4. Equipment - I would have to look for people and organisations to partner with who would be willing to provide refurbished or used IT devices (computers and laptops) as well as IT services and applications like Wi-Fi, internet access, MS Office Products, IT Security etc. 5. Security – Due to the value of the equipment, I would have to get security at the actual premises in order to ensure the safety of the people and the equipment. 1 6. Support (Emotional) – Being exposed to extreme poverty and the various other issues (crime, violence) that stem from this I would need to have someone that I could confide in to “let go” of the sadness that would undoubtedly arise within me. I would also need to have someone with trauma experience readily available to speak to the students if required -it would be difficult to learn if your basic needs (in terms of Maslow’s Hierarchy) are not met. I would also need someone to guide and to keep me on the right path (perhaps a life coach of some sorts) to ensure that I am on the right path and that I stick to the objectives of the programme. 7. Time – This kind of project will be time intensive from its initiation phase to when it is fully running. I would have to ascertain if I would be able to actually commit the required hours (whilst having a full time job and a young child) as well as maintain them for the project to be a success. After considering all the resources that I will require to initiate and run this programme, I decided that this would not be a viable option for me at this time. Although I do believe that that I have the personal qualities required for this, I don’t believe that I am currently in a situation to dedicate the time and resources to start up this initiative at this point.