Computer courses benefit woman of all ages in Bhaderwah

JAMMU - The computer-training course for women mooted by the Jammu University at Bhaderwah town of Doda district a few years ago has yielded fruitful results.

The certificate course is the first of its kind and was commenced at Bhaderwah in 2006. Since then, ten batches of girls and women students have qualified in basic computer operations and allied applications.

“We have benefitted a lot through the e-learning. The course is only conducted in Bhaderwah and it is especially designed for women. It will help us a lot for our career. Though we can’t get a proper job, but we can open our own business and teach our brothers and sisters as well. We can open our business of teaching children through e-learning,” Rahi Jubeen, a student at the e-learning institute, Jammu University, said.

The institute also operates a bus service for students commuting from distant places.

“This area was earlier militancy-affected. We used to find it difficult to commute here. But now, since there are no signs of militant activities here, we are free to visit this place. It is not difficult to commute now,” said a student of the institute.

“These days, every department requires computer-trained people. Banking industry requires computers, and other department also requires computer skills. That is why here we are learning computers courses,” said Payal, another student.

Students applying for enrolment at this institute can be married or unmarried irrespective of their age.

Sheikh Tahir Mohammad, Head of Department, e-learning, Bhaderwah Campus explained about the eligibility criteria and merits of doing this course.

“There is no age limit here. As I told you, this e-learning course is for women. It is especially for those women who are unable to continue their studies after XII standard or for those who belong to the weaker section of the society. The course has been designed in such a way that the students are empowered enough to start their own business. Some of our students have also opened their own business. The course can help in entrepreneurship and some have also got jobs,” said Tahir Mohammad.

On their part, the students as well as other locals believe that women empowerment through e-learning is bringing a windfall change in the lives of women of Bhaderwah.

According to a recent UN report, the Asia-Pacific region ranks near the bottom on many women development issues, impacting the growth prospects of developing nations. By Tahir Nadeem Khan (ANI)