ORT-KesherNet Centre, Volgograd

The ORT-KesherNet Centre in Volgograd for information and communication technologies began its operations in 2003. It is housed in a Jewish community centre. The main aim of the centre is to improve the social and economic status of socially vulnerable segments of the population by providing training for professional work with new information technologies. The centre’s target audience includes unemployed women, disabled people, elderly people and young students. Members of the Jewish community also access the centre. KesherNet is a joint project of World ORT and Project Kesher. 

In 2007 the centre became a part of the global HP GET-IT (now called HP LIFE) initiative to accelerate micro-entrepreneurship. This is a global program that trains students, potential entrepreneurs and small business owners to harness the power of IT in order to establish and grow their businesses.

Courses

In addition to mobile training seminars offering job-seeking help and employment advice, the centre offers the following courses:

Fundamentals of Computer Literacy

This course introduces students to the principles of working with a PC, to working with Microsoft Windows, to the concept of electronic file systems, to Microsoft Office, and to computer security issues. The centre teaches this course extensively to people with disabilities.

Microsoft Word

This course teaches students the fundamentals of Microsoft Word, for example formatting text, creating lists and tables, working with graphics.

Microsoft Excel

This course teaches students the fundamentals of Microsoft Excel, for example inputting and editing data, using functions and formulae, creating charts.

Microsoft PowerPoint

This course teaches students the fundamentals of Microsoft PowerPoint, for example creating slides, inserting picture and videos, setting up animation – together with techniques for delivering effective presentations.

Internet

This course teaches students the fundamentals of using the Internet covering, for example, web browsers, e-mail and cyber-security.

ICT for Beginner Entrepreneurs

This course teaches prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners the basics of ICT which they will require for work purposes. The curriculum is developed by Microenterprise Acceleration Institute (MEA-I) in cooperation with Hewlett Packard.

Adobe Photoshop

The course includes the study of color theory, file formats, interface, selection and work with layers.

"Computer for Life"

The course is developed by ORT-SPb Vocational Training Centre and experts of ORT-Yekaterinburg Vocational Training Centre with aim to help aged people to study the basics of IT and to adapt to life in digital society.   

This course consists of three modules:

Module 1 "Medical Passport" (18 hours). 

1) Make an appointment to see a doctor. Online expert advice.

2) Search for media resources on medical subjects. Search for medical services. Search medicins. Online pharmacy.

3) Journal of doctor visits. Archives of Medical Research in Excel.

4) Scanning documents.

Module 2: Electronic finance (18 hours)

1) Register on the portal of public services

2) The tax debt, penalties.

3) Electronic payments. Electronic wallets. Online store.

4) Electronic family budget. Family financial calculations in spreadsheets.

Module 3: Information flows (18 hours)

1) Collection of news from all sites in one place.

2) Search, download and use a variety of file formats for electronic books.

3) Exchange of large information flows.