A group of Twenty five staff from the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) successfully completed the ICDL training certification of the seven (7) modules

A group of Twenty five staff from the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) successfully completed the ICDL training certification of the seven (7) modules as it is in the Project to train all the RSSB staff across the country.

The modules covered are Computer Essentials, Online Essentials, Documents, Cyber Security, Presentation & Online Collaboration.

The Team enjoyed the trainings and skills offered during the three weeks at ICDL Africa ATC.

The staff were drawn from various departments such as Finance, Legal, Administration, logistics, and others.

During the training, the trainees shared a common interest of discovering the gaps on how they all used to use Word Processing and Spreadsheets Applications in their day to day activities. They all showed the thirst of mastering and discovering more about the spreadsheets as many of them use spreadsheets as their daily tool in the service delivery.

From the testimonies given by four (4) trainees, they all appreciated the difference in skills before the training and a major change after the training and that the skills gained will facilitate them in their job.

Emilienne NISHIMWE who works as a Receptionist & Logistics Support revealed how the ICDL certification will ease her work.

In her words she stated “I am five (5) months old in RSSB. I use MS word and Excel in my daily work. Hence, I have really enjoyed discovering deep technics and more options available in both Word processing & Spreadsheets that I did not know before. I have liked the Cyber Security & Online Collaboration modules as well.

To be sincere, I invite other colleagues from RSSB who haven’t sat for this training to do it as early as possible and will witness the changes in terms of productivity in their work.

Quinta BAKUNDA who works with RSSB as a Legal Advisor,, said she had no clue about the importance of digital skills and did not know anything about it. She was very surprised with the Diagnostics given before the final tests.

I have been attracted by the Presentations module and deep options in using the tool as well as the many options available while using Word Processing Application.

She said “After covering the seven modules, I would like to proceed with Digital Marketing & Project Planning modules. I strongly recommend  other RSSB staffs to sit for the ICDL Programme and invite ICDL Africa to continue making sure that the programme is delivered matching the standard..

I suggest that for such trainings, it will be great to include the IT officers from our Institutions to attend the Programme so that in case we go back to work, we will be at the same page when it comes to the daily small technical support/assistance since we all have attended together.

Lastly, I would like to recommend that some ICDL modules are customized to the daily work in RSSB”.

Cyprien Sebahinzi, a Medical Invoices Verification Officer, told us how, the same as his colleagues, he had no clue about ICDL and what it was all about. The time he heard of an opportunity to learn skills on how to navigate a computer deeply, he was very curious since in his daily work he uses Spreadsheets & Wod Processing applications..

“I have learnt a lot on how to use Spreadsheets to make my life easier than the way I used to. I was very impressed by the Cyber Security module where we learnt to keep the confidentiality of the data and Internet can be a source of information leak when it is not well protected.

If another occasion presents, I would love to proceed with the Management Spreadsheet & Documents Advanced. I really liked the programme of sitting first for the diagnostics before you proceed with the final exam.

At the end of the training, I am more confident and going back to my work with skills of how to navigate my computer without looking for help from the IT support even for minor issues.

I really thank my Institution (RSSB) for the continuous support of investing more in the capacity building for its personnel. A brief recommendation to RSSB & ICDL Africa is to ensure that every RSSB Staff across the country trains and certifies in the ICDL programme and if there is a way both partners could take into consideration  conducting the advanced modules training and certification for those who have finished the seven modules. In case there is any other new module launched by ICDL, RSSB should also  send its staff for the training.

Fecilien Nsengumuremyi,  a Medical Benefits Verification Agent, joined the group of RSSB without having any idea about ICDL Certification. He only knew that digital skills do exist but was not sure where he could get suchtraining.

After covering the Documents & Spreadsheets modules, he realized the gap that was there before he joined  the training.

In his words, Felicien  wishes to add more modules to his certification.

“After covering the seven (7) modules, I wish to pursue Digital Marketing and Project planning. The reason behind that is that I can use them even outside the workplace and get benefits from those skills.

Same us my colleagues, we were all excited with this training and we had enough time to brainstorm through the learning. A lot has been captured and within the time scope. It was my very first time seeing the presentation (PowerPoint) and I can say that after the training I will be able to teach others.

I’m thankful to my Institution (RSSB) to have allocated funds that help in strengthening the capacity of the staff and same for ICDL Africa for the great skills offered with good environment and logistics put in place to make this happen.

Another intake of twenty-five RSSB staff is expected to train and certify for the ICDL Programme in the next two months.

ICDL Africa extends its gratitude to RSSB Management and staff for a strong and sustainable corporation in promoting the Digital Literacy to the Workforce in Rwanda.

End.