“Every day, I have to prepare lot of documents at work. Almost everything has to be done using a word processor. I also use spreadsheets quite frequently because I have to do payroll for the staff. Although there aren’t that many people at work, using spreadsheets helps me a lot and it’s more convenient. Before I learned these computer skills I did all this by making simple tables. It was slow because I had to try so many formats. With the Intel Easy Steps course, the trainer taught me how to use shortcuts and formulas that make my work a lot easier. It also saves a lot of time for me. More importantly, I have the chance to learn and do something new,” Nick finally added.

Both young men were trained using the Intel Easy Steps program for two days before returning home from the center. The training has enabled them to make good use of basic computer skills at home and at work. They both recognized that computer literacy is an essential skill set that is very valuable for youth in detention centers because these young people frequently lack marketable skills and they have limited learning opportunities compared to other young people.

Both Nick and Sam know that it was their own mistakes that landed them in the detention center, but they are happy to have the opportunity to learn and develop the skills that can help them to have a better future.

Nick and Sam have been interested in computers, and computer graphics, since they were young. Regrettably, these two young men made some poor choices that could have lost them an opportunity to pursue a career in computers because they were sent to a juvenile detention center in Chonburi Province, Thailand. Fortunately for these youths, sometimes when one door closes, another door opens.

Plan International, in collaboration with Intel Corporation and the Juvenile Observation and Protection Center of Chonburi Province, organized computer literacy training for the youth at the center using the Intel® Learn Easy Steps training. Plan and its partners believe that computer proficiency is one of the key life skills which will be most useful for youth in the future, and it also opens doors to new employment opportunities. Recognizing the new opportunity before them, Nick and Sam were eager to sign up for the training.

Explaining his reason for attending the Intel Easy Steps training, Sam said, “Actually, I knew only about design, such as graphic design. I did some design work before, including designing name cards and other things. I used graphic design software but I didn’t learn that much about regular office applications. I think that being able to use word processors and spreadsheets is necessary for most jobs these days. When I saw the announcement about this course on the bulletin board, I thought it was a good idea to join so I signed up for it immediately.”

“For me, I’m working at a crane and piling company in the HR department. During my detention period, I have continued with my studies. When I got this job, I was required to use computers for work, especially for all the administrative work at the office. So, being able to use common office applications is a must for my job,” Nick said.

After their release from the center, they returned home and have put their new skills to good use. Sam’s family runs a dried seafood business and he is using a computer for emailing customers, processing orders and bookkeeping. Nick has continued to work as an HR staff member. His responsibilities range from preparing proof of employment letters to doing payroll, which gives him a lot of opportunity to apply and expand his new computer skills.

Intel® Learn Easy StepsDelivering Job Skills atYouth Detention CenterChonburi Province, Thailand

Continued

“Every day, I have to prepare lot of documents at work. Almost everything has to be done using a word processor. I also use spreadsheets quite frequently because I have to do payroll for the staff. Although there aren’t that many people at work, using spreadsheets helps me a lot and it’s more convenient. Before I learned these computer skills I did all this by making simple tables. It was slow because I had to try so many formats. With the Intel Easy Steps course, the trainer taught me how to use shortcuts and formulas that make my work a lot easier. It also saves a lot of time for me. More importantly, I have the chance to learn and do something new,” Nick finally added.

Both young men were trained using the Intel Easy Steps program for two days before returning home from the center. The training has enabled them to make good use of basic computer skills at home and at work. They both recognized that computer literacy is an essential skill set that is very valuable for youth in detention centers because these young people frequently lack marketable skills and they have limited learning opportunities compared to other young people.

Both Nick and Sam know that it was their own mistakes that landed them in the detention center, but they are happy to have the opportunity to learn and develop the skills that can help them to have a better future.

Nick and Sam have been interested in computers, and computer graphics, since they were young. Regrettably, these two young men made some poor choices that could have lost them an opportunity to pursue a career in computers because they were sent to a juvenile detention center in Chonburi Province, Thailand. Fortunately for these youths, sometimes when one door closes, another door opens.

Plan International, in collaboration with Intel Corporation and the Juvenile Observation and Protection Center of Chonburi Province, organized computer literacy training for the youth at the center using the Intel® Learn Easy Steps training. Plan and its partners believe that computer proficiency is one of the key life skills which will be most useful for youth in the future, and it also opens doors to new employment opportunities. Recognizing the new opportunity before them, Nick and Sam were eager to sign up for the training.

Explaining his reason for attending the Intel Easy Steps training, Sam said, “Actually, I knew only about design, such as graphic design. I did some design work before, including designing name cards and other things. I used graphic design software but I didn’t learn that much about regular office applications. I think that being able to use word processors and spreadsheets is necessary for most jobs these days. When I saw the announcement about this course on the bulletin board, I thought it was a good idea to join so I signed up for it immediately.”

“For me, I’m working at a crane and piling company in the HR department. During my detention period, I have continued with my studies. When I got this job, I was required to use computers for work, especially for all the administrative work at the office. So, being able to use common office applications is a must for my job,” Nick said.

After their release from the center, they returned home and have put their new skills to good use. Sam’s family runs a dried seafood business and he is using a computer for emailing customers, processing orders and bookkeeping. Nick has continued to work as an HR staff member. His responsibilities range from preparing proof of employment letters to doing payroll, which gives him a lot of opportunity to apply and expand his new computer skills.

Story: Naylinya Chappanapong / Photo: Pattapong Polek

For more information: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education/intel-easy-steps.htmlFacebook: Plan Thailand

Intel® Learn Easy Steps

Chonburi Province, Thailand

Delivering Job Skills atYouth Detention Center