The Adult Skills project is the only service in Meheba open to all teenagers and adults who seek to extend their learning in computer technology, languages and music. Computer training courses prepare adults for successful integration into the workforce, and English classes equip adult refugees to operate more successfully in a Zambian context where government and business transactions occur in English. Lessons in keyboard, guitar, and music theory provide a constructive and fun outlet for adults, many of whom battle depression and post-traumatic stress as a result of their experiences as refugees.
Life as a refugee can be tedious, slow and inactive. Especially for some adults who have completed schooling or are too old to return to school, time seems to stretch out like an unlimited expanse with very few constructive ways to fill it. Computer literacy is a highly-valued skill for adults applying for work in sub-Saharan African countries, especially those who may be at a disadvantage as refugees. Furthermore, not speaking the government language of the country of refuge can present significant problems for refugees, especially as they seek to negotiate government services and English-speaking camp authorities.
While the Adult Literacy project is open to all teenagers and adults living in the Meheba Settlement, most students live in the area surrounding Block ‘D’ in the center of the settlement. The project serves a total of 120 teenage and adult refugees every month.
• Holding daily computer technology courses in basic computer operations, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Offering language classes in beginning and advanced English three times per week
• Providing weekly keyboard and music theory classes
• Conducting weekly guitar classes
• To provide computer technology courses to a minimum of 5% of Meheba’s adults every year
• To increase English literacy in the Meheba Settlement by providing lessons to at least 200 adult and teenage refugees every year
• To advance formal learning in the arts and provide enrichment opportunities to adults and teenagers affected by conflict
*Because of budget constraints, FORGE has temporarily scaled back the scope of many of its projects. The project descriptions and budgets seen here describe the project's typical operations, and might therefor not reflect the current situation on the ground. Once sufficient funding is secured for each project, its operations will be expanded back to those reflected in this description and budget.