ICT FOR NGOs

Sharpening managerial skills in the 21st century is closely linked to ICT (information and communications technology).  C4L is deepening its role in closing the "digital divide" that separates North from South.

In collaboration with CIWI, a German software house, C4L has introduced a computer lab and a slate of short courses to close the ICT skills gaps. This is a "prelude" to various computer and on-line tools outlined below.

End User Computing

C4L is accredited by the MICT SETA to run this basic course on computer operations.

End User Computing is a SAQA qualification at Level 4. The first option is for a learner to register with C4L to take the whole course over a period of 5 - 6 months.

Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) can fast-track the time it takes, if learners arrive with an advanced standard.

The full course is composed of various unit standards, which C4L has assembled into Modules.  These are also offered on a stand-alone basis, as per the calendar below.

IT Tools for Managers

End User Computing is not an end in itself - it is a means to an end.

Once an NGO has one or more computer literate managers, then it can begin to use computer tools for:

• Administration (e.g. correspondence)
• Finance
• Project Management
• Fundraising
• Advocacy
  

C4L is also introducing computer tools to NGOs, such as:

• Boardware - for NGO Boards
• FUNDTRAC MANAGER - combining Finance and Project Management
• Mentor.org - On-line mentoring for NGO leaders and managers

Stay tuned for more new and relevant tools as they emerge!

Boardware

To support the striving for organizational excellence, C4L has just launched this new service for NGOs.  It has been designed and built to improve Corporate Governance.  It is basically a document-management device that allows Board members remotely to access vital and current information about the NGO that they govern.

Fundtrac Manager

This software is distributed by a ket C4L partner in germany - CIWI.  It is the "state of the art" for NGO accounts and bridges with project management.  In other words, each transaction is not only posted by debit and credit to produce income statements and balance sheet in real time, but to projects, donors and currencies as well.  Thus reports can be generated by project at any time, providing project managers with up-to-date and comprehensive reports on each of their respective projects. Dozens of NGOs is ten African countries are now running on this software solution.

On-line Mentoring

Coming soon!

The refresher courses listed on the Organizational Excellence page of this website will soon be available in an on-line mentoring format that is inter-active.  It combines reading with assignments and even some on-line conversations with a Mentor at C4L.

 

ICT Modules

Introduction to Computers

Learners starting at zero have to know the difference between hardware and software, and why you have to press the "start" button to shut a computer down!  (2 unit standards - 7 credits)

Messaging, E-mail & Internet

Possibly the premier use of computers at this stage is for communication and information dissemination.  Even e-business is becoming a force. (4 unit standards - 11 credits)

Word Processing

Correpondence and record keeping require many words to be written.  Beyond the pen and the printing press, the word processor revolutionized information storage.  So often computer users only know what a few functions driven by icons or pull-down menues will do.  (2 unit standards - 8 credits)

Presentations

PowerPoints have taken over the NGO sector!  You have to know how to create them and operate them during presentations.  Not just for Trainers but for Fundraisers, presentations are mission-critical.  (4 unit standards - 20 credits)

Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets have many functions in NGO management - from basic math calculations to building application forms for grantmaking.  (6 unit standards - 26 credits)

Databases

From keeping directories to development-related research projects, including a scan of the sotware on the market.  (1 unit standard - 3 credits)

Graphics

"A picture is worth a thousand words."  Whether charts or photos, these components are invaluable to capture and store NGO progress. (1 unit standard - 4 credits)

Social Networking

Some say that the "Arab Spring" was caused by "Twitter-lution"!  It is important to understand this new phenomenon and to compare the range of products available. (1 unit standard - 3 credits)

I.T. Security

From passwords to computer viruses, managers get to survey the issues.  Knowing the risks is important in a highly competetive sector.  (2 unit standards - 13 credits)

Project Management

Applying computer tools in a project environment including a look at appropriate software - like MS Project.  (4 unit standards - 25 credits)

Finance Management

Deplying computer skills and tools to manage NGO finance, including a scan of available software.  (2 unit standars - 9 credits)

Report Writing

How to generate reports combining the range of computer tools.  Integration is the technological focus but it takes more than technology to make a report really great. (2 unit standards - 11 credits)

DATES AND COSTS ICT FOR NGOS 2012 

 

The courses will take place 3 days a week from 9 am to 1 pm in our computer lab.

 

MODULE	HOURS IN COMPUTERLAB	DURATION IN DAYS	DATE/ WEEK TO TAKE PLACE	COSTS IN RAND
Introduction to Computers	24	6	13/02-25/02	2160
Messaging, Email, Internet	28	7	27/02- 09/03	2520
Word Processing	28	7	12/03-23/03	2520
Presentations	40	10	26/03-20/04 (EASTER HOLIDAYS)	3600
Spreadsheets	48	12	23/04-18/05	4320
Database	12	3	21/05-25/05	1080
Graphics	12	3	28/05-01/06	1080
Social Networking	12	3	04/06-08/06	1080
I.T. Security	24	6	11/06-22/06	2160
Project Management	40	10	25/06-13/07	3600
Finance Management	24	6	16/07-27/07	2160
Report Writing	24	6	30/07-10/08	2160