Many disadvantaged and underprivileged women lack adequate computer skills. These include previous stay at home Moms, female new-comers to Canada, and many disadvantaged women  who for various reasons want to re-enter the workforce but find they need computer skills to do so. However, many of these women have neither the funds nor the capacity to attend the high paced for-profit classes. Some women who are already employed but desire to augment their computer skills also need help.

AWE offers free computer skills training for such women. Before the pandemic, these were in-person classes. However, the pandemic forced us to change how the classes are delivered. Beginning in Fall/Winter 2022, the classes will be taught online to make them more accessible to as many women as possible. The classes cover basic computer skills, emails and how to use the internet, search engines, and other social media  skills . Students will also learn how to create documents,  slides, and spreadsheets.

Benefits of Computer Literacy

• Computer literacy facilitates a woman’s ability to contribute to her community.
• New immigrants need computer skills to learn English and search for jobs and amenities in their communities.
• Far exceeding gainful employment and money, computer literacy imparts a sense of security, independence, and pride.
• Many Moms desire computer literacy to better understand their children’s learning at school and be able to assist them with homework.
• A significant part of communication in the 21st century is done remotely over computer networks.
• Computer literacy can mitigate women being and remaining in abusive and dangerous economically motivated relationships.
• Computer literacy is a success-enhancing tool that enables a woman to make her own decisions.

“Firstly, I want to thank you for the privilege of being able to take this course.  I loved the teacher who had a way of explaining patiently to all of us not only about the computer but to help each of us achieve our goal.  I enjoyed not only meeting the different ladies but the fellowship and encouragement we each felt with one another.  I was able to gleam different ways to do up a card to give a student in the school.  What blessed me was anyone no matter what their age or background could learn to use a computer even if they had no training and understanding before this. Thank you again for the opportunity to grow and learn in this area.” – Student Testimonial