As the only computer learning center in Kala, the Computer Center is open for enrollment to all youth and adults living in Kala Refugee Camp. Serving an average of 750 people per year, the project has already provided computer training to nearly 15% of the Kala Camp community. The skills participants gain prove immensely valuable for finding jobs in the DRC, and for enhancing the human capital in their war-torn home communities. 3301 5 false Given their insufficient employment opportunities and limited ability to find education opportunities outside camp grounds, refugees in Kala are particularly disadvantaged when it comes to developing job skills relevant to an increasingly high-tech global economy. The Kala Computer & Technology Center equips refugees with the skills they will need to be competitive for new jobs in the DRC. 2008-05-01T01:59:23-05:00 The Kala Computer & Technology Center provides computer-training courses to an average of 750 refugees in Kala Camp every year. The twelve computers and one printer are powered by five solar panels and one generator. One Computer Instructor and a core of skilled volunteers teach separate courses in French, Swahili and English for men and women on how to use programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In exchange for donating their time and skills, the volunteer instructors get additional training from the Computer Instructor in higher-level programs and procedures. The skills gained by refugees in Kala have already proven crucial in helping repatriated refugees to find employment upon their return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). To enhance the earning potential and job skills of Kala Camp residents through valuable computer skills. 11 • Providing daily computer lessons in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Paint • Offering beginning and advanced computer courses taught in Swahili, French and English #<Location:0xb5de6c4> 2 • To reach at least 15% of Kala Camp adults through computer-training courses every year • To prepare people for gainful employment upon their return to the DRC • To train future computer teachers As of December 1, 2009, FORGE is no longer working in Kala Refugee Camp. Thus, FORGE is no longer accepting funds for this project. Refugees know that during their time in refuge, the world has become more and more reliant on technology. In this, they know that the future prospects of their families and their countries may depend upon the extent to which they gain the skills of the new "tech economy". To make sure that Congo and the residents of Kala do not get left behind, the Kala Computer and Technology Center provides training in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to over 1500 refugees annually. Courses are taught in English, French, and Swahili. In a recent voyage to the Democratic Republic of Congo, FORGE found that many of the local employees who worked with computers were former FORGE computer students. These individuals credit FORGE with their success in finding work and being able to support their families. true Providing Skills for the New Economy one year 2010-03-10T10:47:24-06:00