As agreed during the 2nd Bicol Region Barangay Nutrition Scholars Association (BRBNSA) meeting last 3 June 2011, the officers and board of directors had their Basic Computer Literacy Training last 29-30 September 2011 at Jennifer’s Kababayan Hotel, Inc, Legazpi City. The training was held to (1) equip the BNS with basic knowledge on the proper use of computer, (2) create awareness of its importance to their function as Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and (3) enhance their skills in using Microsoft Office, and its application programs such as MS Word & MS Excel.
The National Nutrition Council Region V Staff led by Mr. Marvin J. Agripa (AA VI-JO) developed a training module for two days that contained all the necessary computer knowledge & skills basically needed by the BNS in the community. The program includes Mastery of the Microsoft Word to help them make presentable documentation report of their activities and Introduction to Microsoft Excel to help in consolidating Operation Timbang (OPT) data. Web surfing was also included to make our BNS globally competitive and technologically aware of how they could make use of this modern innovation as a tool for fast communication, research and networking.
During the first day's levelling of expectations, most of the Officers and Board of Directors confessed that they are aware of what a computer is but they never had a chance to touch or even open the laptop/desktop at home or office because of the fear that they might break this or delete important files in it. Grouped in twos, NNC V office provided each group with a laptop that they used throughout the training. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was shown in the smile on their faces in every step of the learning process.
The dilemma however started when we introduced MS Word as most of them never had any background information on computer applications or the skill on how the program works. So, we revised the module and focused more on mastery of MS Word, Web surfing and sending of e-mails. NPC Reario agreed to have a part II of Basic Computer Literacy Training to include MS Excel and social networking.
As an output of the training, everyone wrote an article which contained their individual and group pictures which they sent to NNC V via e-mail. They went home proud and excited and ready to show to co-BNS and supervisors their newly acquired skill. They were all optimistic that this new knowledge and skill would enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in the community. They also hoped that their respective barangay chairperson or mayor will soon provide them their own computer.
Indeed, why not have a globally competitive and a techno-wiz BNS?
