A fond farewell and congratulations to the 13 learners who completed the Office Admin course in July 2015. After completing the job readiness programme, these learners decided to continue honing their computer and office skills in the hope of finding employment in an office environment. The training included many hours of disciplined self-study on a web-based  Computer promgramme, Skillwise which provides a simulated environment in which to learn and practice the MS Office suite. This was complimented by facilitated sessions working through various MS Office projects, Office practice modules, including reception, telephone etiquette, filing, caring for office equipment and being tech savvy.
The spiritual development of the learners was encouraged through the Alfa programme which gave learners an opportunity to explore their beliefs and learn more about the foundations of the Christian faith and life.
On completion of the course, qualifying learners were given an opportunity to participate in a job shadow at various organisations. One of these learners, Sharlene Fisher, participated in a job shadow at Nostic Asset Management. She reported back saying, “I loved the office practice, especially when went on the Job shadow. It makes you realise t
hat the course prepared you well to work in an office environment, even to be a receptionist. At the end of the day it’s your choice to make it work or not. At my job shadow as receptionist they made me realise I can and will do what my heart desires.”
The job shadows are a great motivating factor to our learners, often providing the final confirmation to our learners that they have the skills needed to confidently seek employment. We are grateful to our partners for this valuable opportunity. Thank you to Cape Pulpit Radio, Nostic Asset Mangement, AL&A, Little Biz Hub, MES, Signa Academy and Full Signal SA.
As we say farewell, we remind our learners that you will remain in our thoughts, prayers and efforts. We trust that the hard work and time invested over the past few months will pay great dividends – the greatest of that being that you will find joy in belonging to the Lord.
We are pleased to share some of the feedback received from the learners on completion of their training programme:
Wanda Makrwede, 17/7/2015:  FCD helps you to build self confidence and a better relationship with God. I enjoyed doing Alpha and praising the LORD but mostly I liked just being at FCD with my classmates. My short term goal is to upgrade my skills and find a job. I have taken a step on applying for jobs on the internet and I did that through my time with FCD, if I did not come here I would have not known about all the sites where I can look for jobs.
Zainab Mustapha, 17/7/2015: I would recommend FCD to anyone, young or old, as FCD does not discriminate with regards to age, race, age 
or any other background, religious or otherwise. I have felt very welcomed and at home here. I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between trainers and students, as well as students with each other. Some of us have become quite close and have developed great relationships. I believe that we have become a family.   I found discipleship useful to reconsider my values. It was a great reminder that everything we do, no matter where we are, God should always be part of it. Without God and being thankful to God for everything, our lives are incomplete. I am a Muslim and do not attend church, but the spiritual awareness that has been communicated here has been positive in my life.
I have a great need to attain a job. I have been applying at many places and intend to continue until I am successful. Even if it means that I need to volunteer at places to increase my chances of getting a job. The knowledge I have gained with regards to computer literacy and all other computer programmes will be an asset to me in the working environment.
I thank FCD for the opportunity that I was given to study at this institution. It has helped me immensely socially, as well as increasing my confidence in working with computers.
Zandeley Visagie, 17/7/2015: I have learned a lot and I would like those who are just sitting at home or don’t have any direction in their careers to learn what I have learned here. I enjoyed the discipleship and I have a better relationship with God. I’m attending church every Sunday now and I pray and read the Bible more than before.  My short term goal is to pass my learners license and then I am going to start applying to universities. I am looking for a job just till I start with my studies and when I start I am going to work on weekends. I am more confident now to apply to universities and to look for a job.
Sharlene Fisher, 17/7/2015: I gained so much more than I expected. I know how to work on a computer, and to maintain a reception area as well as how to be an office administrator. I know how to do the filing, even electronic filing and much more. I never worked on a computer in so much detail.
During the training, we became one family. The Alpha course made me realise again that God never sleeps and that he loves us unconditionally. It made me realise where I went astray in my faith. Now I can proudly say that I’m a child of God. The pastors from the different churches are really inspiring, you feel at ease to share and ask for prayer.
I will forever be grateful towards FCD. They made me realise what I want to do with my life, career-wise. I feel I hid myself for too long.      It has been a privilege to be called a student at FCD. I enjoyed myself in the job readiness as well as office admin course. I gained a lot of knowledge regarding computers and the fact that I feel so at ease to work in a office. It’s just amazing. Thank you to all our trainers and volunteers. I will miss you dearly. Keep up the good work, you will be blessed abundantly. UBUNTU!!!!
Celeste Pienaar, 17/7/2015: The course helped me to use the computer the right way and gave me confidence to search for jobs. Discipleship helped me to pray more often and to put God first before anything that I take on. It also give me confidence knowing there will be bad days and worse days but I can conquer it if I but my trust in God, and everything is possible with the love of God.
Sisanda Shuqula, 17/7/2015: I have learned a lot of things here. I have more knowledge about God and I also met new friends. I have learned new things about computers and I am confident working with computers now. I mostly enjoyed the Alpha sessions which impacted my life positively because I have gained more knowledge about who God is.
Natasha Merckie, 17/7/2015: It is a great opportunity to up your skills and personal skills as well. The discipleship helped me talk more freely about God to people and to share my experience in what I learned the day.
Nomfesane Mrwebi, 17/7/2015: FCD help me a lot and I would love to see other people come and study at FCD.            Discipleship helped me a lot. Now I know that God loves me and He will always there for me , and my family. I make sure
that I go to church every Sunday, and I’m happy because no one told me that I must go to church. It is something that i want to do myself.
Samone Lombard, 17/7/2015: It is a great training centre to develop your skills. I enjoyed being able to see my classmates every day and felt motivated to get to classes. Wednesday was always nice at church here. I learned new things and it feels awesome. It had a great impact because I was able to connect with God.
Phamela Damane, 17/7/2015: The training helped me a lot on how to use computers correctly and gave me work experience that I did not have. I also learned how to behave in the work place I enjoyed the Alfa course because it helped me to grow spiritually. I now read my Bible every day, go to church for myself, not because I want to please my parents and now my relationship with God is very close.
My short term goal is to get a job. I have already applied for a few jobs and I will keep on looking for more, marketing myself to every company. FCD has provided me with work experience and more skills to offer in the work place so it will be easier for me to find a job.         FCD is doing a good job by giving unemployed people a chance to improve their kills and achieve their goals
Munyaradzi Revai, 17/7/2015: At FCD you gain skills and come out with a positive mind. I enjoyed discipleship, the computer studies, life skills and meeting new people and making friends. I now know who I am in Christ, and have a more forgiving heart, knowing that God loves me unconditionally. I have improved communication skills and now know how to behave in work area.
