Youngest ICDL Expert in South Africa
International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Advanced is a higher-level programme designed for those who have successfully reached ICDL skills levels and wish to further enhance their computer proficiency. ICDL Advanced covers the following modules: Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases and Presentations.
Each Advanced module is presented as a stand-alone certification in each respective area and Candidates who successfully complete a module will be certified as Advanced users in that application. The ICDL Advanced qualification is internationally-recognised, a demonstration of certified advanced skills, vendor-neutral (i.e. applicable to all brands of the relevant software) and backed by the reputation of the ICDL certification.
Candidates who choose to complete all four Advanced modules are awarded with the ICDL Expert certification, signifying expert-level ICDL competence. By succeeding in the ECDL Expert exams, one gains the most valid confirmation of one’s ability to deal with complex and highly demanding tasks as well as improving one’s efficiency. Moreover acquiring the ECDL Expert means better prospects of professional advantage in the labour market.
In total the ICDL Foundation of AFRICA has issued 31 expert certificates so far: 5 in 2005, 5 in 2006, 10 in 2007, 6 in 2008, and 5 in 2009. 10 of these Experts are in KZN, namely 9 in the Durban area and Pietermatizburg, and 1 in Newcastle (Greta Bosiers).
Detlef Bunge, a learner in Grade 11 at Dundee High School, has just become an ICDL Expert! Like all learners at DHS, he has attended the well structured lessons under management of Computer Skills for Africa in the Dundee High School computer centre, and he has achieved his full ICDL (7 modules). But Detlef went one further, in fact he went 4 further! He studied in his own time as well and wrote the 4 advanced modules in the Computer Skills for Africa Centre in Newcastle.
Greta Bosiers was the examiner and she says she takes particular pride in this student! This is not only because he achieved all modules well beyond the pass rate, but also because at 16 he is the youngest to have ever done so in the country! The youngest in South Africa up till now was 23 years of age.
Detlef says,
“One of the main reasons for continuing with the ICDL Advanced after having completed the ICDL core level was that it offered a new challenge. I am not planning to study anything to do directly with computers as my main interests lie else where. The ICDL course was still worthwhile as it is internationally recognized. It also learnt skills that I can apply in school tasks.”
Detlef didn’t pass all the exams from the first time, but, he says, every time I failed, I learnt something new so the extra hours were worthwhile. Most importantly, I learnt never to give up.
Well done Detlef, we are so very proud of you!!
