A PROJECT LAUNCHED by a Turkish woman and the TWPA Turkish Women’s Philanthropic Association of England at the Associations centre in Turnpike Lane, North London. The project has been successfully coordinated by Gülnur Salih.
This project has given TWPA’s members and the wider non-English speaking Turkish community the chance to learn how to use technology. These include computing, digital photography, improved electronic and telecommunication skills. The course saw members of the community more active and eager to learn new skills.
Mrs. Gülnur Salih explained she designed the first Computing course programme 9 years ago and delivered it to various community centres; throughout the years she has updated the programme by adding new topics.
One learner said: “Learning how to use a computer has opened a new page in my life, the computer is like a window; facilitates access to the whole world”.
Gülnur Salih added: “The learners were able to communicate with their children and grandchildren; using the latest technology by messaging and sharing photos with relatives abroad in Turkey, Cyprus and as far as America, Australia for the first time ever. It also meant they could follow local activities, services and access online shopping, reading books and newspapers.
“Their self-esteem has increased, and they feel extremely proud and happy that they attended the course. They have interacted with each other on a regular basis that has provided positive health benefits physically and mentally in reducing isolation, stress and depression. Their learning was practiced regularly through social media, messaging, uploading pictures, and surfing the net. The photography element of the project gave them valuable life skills and a hobby to pass time pleasurably.”
Until now, the courses have been delivered 7 times in 2 years to a total of 80 people who have learned computing practically from scratch at the TWPA centre.
So what did the computing courses include?
A 12 lesson programme
Professional and friendly teaching
Projector, flip-chart, handouts and booklets
Brief background information
Practical knowledge on software and hardware
Practical skills for keyboard and mouse use
Using social media including opening Facebook accounts and posting and reading messages.
TWPA speaking to Londra Gazete said: “All our learners have been very happy to come to our courses and keen to attend further IT courses but currently we cannot offer this. We hope to run further courses through new funding; advancing learners with new computing and writing skills. We are very happy to complete our project successfully and have helped people adding new skills and excitement to their lives. ”
Digital photography lessons were also part of the course where members learned how to take photographs and then upload them to Facebook or send via emails. They were even taught how to use applications such as Skype, Whatsapp, Facetime and telephone calling via Facebook. Courses ended with skills being transferred to use on tablets and smart-phones.
People are welcome to contact Gülnur Salih now on 07946 344 667 and register their interest for our future courses as places are limited.
