Thursday 22 February 2007 was a double day of celebration at the Karten CTEC (Computer-aided Training, Education and Communication) Centre, which is based at Ravenswood Village and provides computer-aided training and education for people with disabilities. As well as the opening of a new computer learning facility, students were also awarded certificates ollowing the successful completion of academic courses. The centre is run jointly by leading UK Jewish children and families charity Norwood and Wokingham District Council.
Ian Karten MBE, who founded the centre, was the guest of honour at the ceremony, hosted by Rod Clay, director of Ravenswood Village. Councillor Angus Ross, chairman of Wokingham District Council, presented certificates to students who had completed courses such as Skills for Working Life and Introduction to Information Technology, as well as numeracy and literacy courses.
After the award ceremony, staff, students and guests witnessed the official opening of the centre’s new computer learning facility, which includes an interactive whiteboard, large screens for visually-impaired people, flat screen monitors and Internet access for all users. Councillor Ross cut the ribbon together with Mr Karten MBE, centre students and staff as well as representatives from Norwood.
Rod Clay, Director of Village Services, who hosted the event, said: "The Karten Centre " in partnership with Wokingham District council, has developed a computer learning facility which will provide high-quality training opportunities for everyone in our community, regardless of disability or disadvantage. I'd also like to congratulate all of the students who received certificates today."
Susie Holdsworth, contract and support services manager at the Karten Centre, said: “We are really proud of all our students and the achievement they have made. With the support we have from Wokingham District Council and others I believe the centre will move from strength to strength allowing many more local people to benefit from our services.”
One of the students, Lawrence Black, 53, from Ravenswood Village, said: “I have been coming here for five years and this is a great improvement. It is great fun to be able to get on the computers and I have learnt to do a lot of things on them.”
For further information please contact David Wosner, Public Relations Officer at Norwood on 020 8420 6942 or email david.wosner@norwood.org.uk
