UMP held an ict workshop for single mother

KUANTAN: Some of these women have never used a computer or browsed the Internet before, but the single mothers who joined a recent information and communications technology (ICT) workshop at Universiti Malaysia Pahang, near here, are more than eager to learn new skills.

Participants learning information and communications technology skills during a workshop at Universiti Malaysia Pahang, near Kuantan, recently.

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Those with some knowledge could be seen helping those who were new to computers, particularly single mothers who are above 40 years old.

 "It is not true that we are not interested in ICT. The reason many of us are not ICT-literate is that we never had the opportunity to learn," said 50-year-old entrepreneur Norlia Ghani.

 The single mother, who has five children and two grandchildren, admitted that she was afraid to touch a computer keyboard at first.

 "Although several of my children have laptops, I dare not touch them as I was afraid that I would damage them," said Norlia, who sells traditional medicines and provides house-to-house massage services for women.

 After attending the one-day workshop, Norlia, of Taman Sepakat here, said she now knew how to use the Internet to market her products and services.

 "My aim is to own a computer and I hope the relevant agencies can help me  buy one through an instalment scheme."

Kartini Muhammad Noh, 41, of Kampung Awah, Temerloh, said she decided to join the workshop after being encouraged by her children, aged 15 to 21.

 "They told me that I can advertise my services on websites and portals, apart from creating a Facebook account for the same purpose," said the seamstress.

Like Norlia, Kartini hopes that the authorities or non-governmental organisations can help her buy a computer to expand her business through the Internet.

"I hope there will be more courses on ICT for single mothers.  We want to improve our livelihood," said Kartini, who was divorced four years ago.

 As for Noraida Mohd Sulong, 43, she has already been using Facebook to market her beauty products and cakes.

 "Apart from learning new skills at the workshop, I help other participants to open Facebook accounts and register their businesses at portals," said the single mother, who has a shop at the Malay Town here.

 Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan said such a programme was important since it could help improve the participants' knowledge and skills in ICT.

  "It can also help participants sift through good information from the bad, and avoid being victims of Internet scams," she said when closing the workshop.

  UMP assistant vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Professor Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin said the programme was part of the university's effort to help educate people from various backgrounds.

 The inaugural workshop was jointly organised by UMP Computer Systems and Software Engineering Faculty, and UMP Women's Association.  A total of 96 single mothers and 215 orphans from 11 districts in Pahang joined the programme, which was supported by Yayasan Salam Malaysia and MSC Pahang.

sources ~ NSTP