$25,000 for LCHS to boost technology skills in the Latrobe Valley

Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) will be better placed to support the Latrobe Valley Sudanese ICT skills program thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Victorian Coalition Government Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said today

Mr Northe said funding would be provided under the government’s Community Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills Grants program.

“Latrobe Community Health Service provides an integrated and coordinated approach to the delivery of health services within the Latrobe Valley community to enable people to live healthier, live better, and live longer.

“The Latrobe Valley Sudanese ICT skills training program is just one way that LCHS are continuing to improve the lives of others.”

Ben Leigh, Chief Executive Officer of LCHS, said the program would help the community access online services and build their computer skills.

“Our experience with the Settlement Services Intensive Work Preparation program has shown us there is a need for this type of training to help community members develop the skills needed to find employment or enter further education.

“As part of this program two local Sudanese people will undertake an accredited TAFE certificate course and then work with the LCHS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) staff to develop the modules for the program. They will then manage and deliver training to a further 20 community members who will work to develop ICT skills throughout the Sudanese community.

“The focus will be on the skills needed to gain employment, including how to find and apply for jobs online. These skills also enable people to access a broad range of useful information and services, everything from bus timetables and medical services to visa guidelines,” said Mr Leigh.

“They will even feel more confident to use local library computers or help their children with school work. “

The program complements the work already being done by LCHS in partnership with other organisations to help people from a refugee background take a healthy and active role in the community.

“We are thankful for the Government’s support of this program. By helping the Sudanese community use the Internet we are opening up a world of possibility,” said Mr Leigh.

Mr Leigh added that programs such as these will be critically important as the Latrobe Valley workforce transitions to a low carbon economy.

Mr Northe said the Community ICT Skills Grants program supported community organisations to increase and develop the use of information and communication technology.

“It is particularly important in assisting those groups within the community who have been traditionally unable to access the benefits of computer technology,” Mr Northe said.

“Through this program, senior citizens, people with a disability, migrant and refugee communities and Victorians living in remote and isolated locations are being encouraged to get online and develop their skills and knowledge using computers and the internet.

“Effective use of technology not only promotes increased independence, it also provides another setting for social interaction and expands opportunities for employment and education.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to support communities across the state through programs such as this which enable individuals to access resources and make the most of opportunities that might otherwise not be available,” Mr Northe said.