As 2025 unfolds South Durban residents are invited to make a fresh start by enrolling in the Engen Community Computer School’s free, four-month computer skills course. Designed to provide essential digital skills and boost employability, the course offers participants a valuable qualification and opens doors to new career paths.

The latest graduation ceremony, held on 10 December 2024 at the Blue Roof Life Space in Wentworth, celebrated the achievements of 88 new graduates from the August, 2024 intake, marking an important milestone as they step into the new year with enhanced skills and fresh opportunities all benefiting from Engen’s long-standing commitment to community upliftment.

Since its inception in 2009, the Engen Community Computer School has empowered 3,199 South Durbanites, providing free basic computer training that has proven instrumental in helping many graduates secure employment, further education, and learnerships. The course’s effectiveness is underscored by the success of recent participants, with 48% of the January 2024 graduates and 29% of the May 2024 graduates finding jobs or gaining further educational opportunities.

Course convener and training director, Sheryl Casalis confirmed that four attendees who graduated in December 2024 had already found employment, thanks to their newly acquired skills. Hope Jada Fynn secured a position at a call centre in Durban, Cebolenkosi Shozi began working at Ackermans, Chantal Isaacs landed a learnership with the eThekwini Municipality, and Bhekithemba Cyprian Mkhize joined R&B Timbers Group.

"The Engen Community Computer School training makes a tangible difference to the lives of those who attend," says Casalis. "Many arrive feeling uncertain about their ability to learn new skills, yet they leave with confidence and a skillset that opens up new career possibilities."

Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s CSI Manager, congratulated the graduates and highlighted Engen’s commitment to ongoing community upskilling. "Engen believes that equipping communities with digital skills is essential to thrive in today’s digital landscape. We are committed to helping build resilient, empowered communities," Mdabula explained.

This commitment aligns with Engen’s support for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education – and is reinforced by Engen’s other educational initiatives, including the Engen Maths and Science Schools (EMSS) which address skills shortages in STEM fields.

Applications are now open for 2025. South Durban residents are encouraged to seize the opportunity to gain new skills and a qualification that could transform their futures. Classes run on weekdays for four months, with a separate year-long, Saturday-only course for those balancing work commitments. The school urges all those interested in taking charge of their future to enrol early and start the year with new skills and prospects.

Engen’s dedication to education and community resilience is unwavering, as they continue to empower those living near their operations in South Durban.

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