Social networking workshop for single mothers and orphans

GAMBANG: Some 311 single mothers and orphans from across the state had a taste of the wonders of social networking at the Social Website Introduction and ICT Awareness Workshop at the Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP).
The workshop, organised by UMPs Faculty of Computer System & Software Engineering and the UMP Women Association with the cooperation from Yayasan Salam Malaysia and MSC Pahang, involved participants from Bentong, Bera, Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Kuantan, Lipis, Maran, Mentakab, Pekan, Raub, Rompin and Temerloh.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan said participants could improve their economic status through the use of technology by applying what they had learned.
This workshop is in line with the Government’s aspiration to help single mothers and orphans obtain information through social networking.
They must also learn the pros and cons of information technology so it will not be misused for unhealthy activities,” she said at the closing ceremony of the workshop here recently.
Maznah also advised single mothers to monitor their childrens activities on these social websites to prevent them from surfing harmful sites.
“Hackings and scams are widespread online and if we do not provide the right information on its consequences, our children will not realise they are being drawn into these negative activities,” she said.
She added that single mothers nationwide should take advantage of the various programmes prepared by the Government.
Meanwhile, UMP assistant vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Professor Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin said the university as a community campus also had a social responsibility in helping the Government assist the people.
“Therefore, the university has identified socio-economic development as one of its four major efficiency fields in the implementation of the UMP Strategic Plan 2011-2015,” he said.
Participant Noraida Mohd Sulong, 43, said the workshop would definitely help her in communicating with customers and business partners online.
“I now have a Facebook account to market my beauty products and layer cake business,” said the mother of six.

credit: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/11/8/southneast/9849439