Ernestine Preira: from zero computer skills to a brighter future!
At just 18 years old, Ernestine Preira, a recent high school graduate from Senegal, believed that computers were only meant for watching movies or videos. Like many young people her age, she had never truly had the chance to learn about computers.
One day, shortly after completing her exams, her teachers asked her if she knew how to use a computer. Her answer was simple: no. Not long after, a friend offered her a job as a cashier. Excited, Ernestine felt ready to begin her professional life. But then came the question: “Do you have any basic computer skills?” Her answer again was no.
The opportunity slipped away. That disappointment became a turning point. Ernestine realized that she could no longer postpone it, computer literacy was no longer a luxury, but a necessity. That was when one of her friends suggested she talk to Mr. Sall at the ICB Center in Gueule Tapée.
Today, after just a few months of training, she proudly shares her progress:
“I didn’t even know how to turn on a computer. Now I can search online, do exercises, draw graphs… I finally have a solid foundation. This experience has completely changed my vision of the future. Where I once saw a barrier, I now see an open door to new professional and personal opportunities. And my message to other young people is simple: better late than never. Even if you didn’t learn computer skills early, it’s never too late to catch up. With the growth of technology, I encourage all my friends, brothers, and sisters to get started.”