MORE than 20 youths of Belle West Village, West Bank Demerara are learning their way around a computer, thanks to a six-week course in computer studies, compliments of a partnership between the police and the community.The programme is part of a social crime prevention programme in fostering better community/police relations.

Classes are held every Saturday from 13:00hrs to 15:00hrs and facilitated by Police Woman Corporal, Rockell Miguel of the Wales Police Station. They are being held at the Belle West Multi-Purpose Building located at Belle West Community Centre Ground.

The 20 desktop computers and 20 chairs used for the course were provided by the Basic Needs Trust Fund. The course itself is being certified by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The computer training programme caters for youths 16 and older, and targets the unemployed and school drop-outs.

According to Corporal Miguel, training comprises Basic Microsoft Office and Power Point, after which they will move into more advanced modules.

She said that so far, response has been very good, and the youths are beginning to discuss other topics of interest with her as it relates to school and peer pressure.

Corporal Miguel also serves as a mentor to the youths, and upon completion of the computer training, they will each be presented with a certificate of merit.

Commander of ‘D’ Division, Stephen Mansell told the Guyana Chronicle during a visit to the building where the computer training is being held that he is pleased with the progress of the classes.

Stacy Motilall, one of the many youths present on Saturday told the Guyana Chronicle that the course has been very beneficial to her so far, because from knowing little or nothing about computers, she is now able to prepare a word document.

Besides, the computer training gives them an opportunity to interact with each other and it is a place they can visit and be enlightened.

According to Chairperson for the Belle West Youth Group, Nolle Readie, the initiative is good, since more than 20 youths from the community are participating.

She explained that the youths are also part of a male/female cricket club.