12 Manningham Housing Association (MHA) tenants have completed a Level 1 Digital Inclusion training course covering a range of modules including customer service, digital skills, and health and wellbeing.
Each successful candidate received a certificate and a brand-new tablet - kindly supplied by Woodspeen Training - at an awards ceremony in MHA’s Bradford head office which hosted the course over several weeks.
Tassawar is one of the 12 tenants who passed the examinations to obtain her qualification.
She said: “I wanted to learn about computers, gain confidence and meet new people along the way.
“I heard about the course after a call from the Community Development Officer at MHA, and it worked out with the hours and days as my children were at school.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it. I made friends, I know more about computers and how to do IT tasks on my own.
"I would recommend to everyone I know to take up such an opportunity. I would love to sign up for the next level.”
Rosemary is another MHA tenant who successfully completed the training.
She said: “I am so grateful to take part in the IT course.
“For me it was a great opportunity to learn with them and they include lots of training which helps me to cope with today’s world.
“I now have experience in how to register in very important areas, such as my GP, applying for jobs and more in this life of technology.
“I am so thankful to the tutor who helped me through difficulties.”
Sadar Uddin, MHA Community Partnership and Investment Manager, who oversaw the training course, said he was delighted to see the first cohort of tenants receive their certificates and tablets.
He commented: “It was a wonderful occasion with everyone fully deserving their awards.
“The past three years, since the start of the pandemic, have been difficult for everyone. However, there have also been positives with many people setting themselves new goals including a desire to learn different skills and take on new challenges.
“We are planning to launch further courses in the months ahead to give MHA tenants the chance to access new life opportunities.
“The first 12 graduates of the Level 1 digital inclusion course stand as role models for what can be achieved.”
Ulfat Hussain, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations, presented the successful candidates with their prizes.
He said: “It was a really happy event.
“MHA is more than a housing association. Investing in the communities we serve in Bradford and Keighley is at the core of everything we do, including seeking to improve life chances through the provision of training opportunities and other support.
“We know these communities well and understand that so much talent resides there, but it must be nurtured and progressed.
“MHA is committed to working with our partners across Bradford district and beyond to do precisely that.”