How my grandmother made me become Computer Literate

All my life, I've been a grandma's boy. I grew up with her. I was literally her last born. A petted and spoilt one. I always got away with many things. I always got most of what I wanted. It was all sweet until when this curse called adulthood came along. The petting reduced but can never totally go away. But there's one thing that I didn't understand with grandma. Because as from 2008, I didn't live with her again. So I saw her only on holidays. But I wondered why she wanted me to do Computer Classes after 9 tedious months of schooling. Like a Cameronian would say, the sadness of ça...

As a student, you'd want to rest after 9 months of intensive schooling. But my grandmother thought otherwise... After all, "Learning never ends" is what was written on the hardcover of our Ledger books. So after an exhausting sixth form, my grandmother thought it wise to register me at a Computer School around. I wasn't happy. I really wasn't. But as Africans, we're brought up with this rejection of rebellion - especially towards our parents. But looking back, I'm glad my sixth and seven form holidays were occupied by those classes.

Computer literacy is defined as the knowledge and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with skill levels ranging from elementary use to computer programming and advanced problem solving. And some people who know me, will wonder how I say I'm computer literate when I'm not yet a programmer. But as they say, half a bread is better than none.

During my time learning computer at Laurate Business College, I learnt how to use the MS Office suite and went as far as using office tools like printers, scanners and photocopiers... The skills I got there haven't been put much to use, but they're not worthless. I'd love to look at them as some fine wine that will get better along the line. Because it's like reading a book - you might not need the knowledge on the next years, but one day the knowledge will serve you.

My grandmother made me use the house computer on one condition - that I'll use it to learn typing with Mavis Beacon or one of its substitute applications. Back them, they sounded like some infernal task. But as time has passed, I've begun to appreciate the good gesture. With my knowledge in the MS Office Suite and Basic Computer Concepts and Microsoft Windows, I can easily navigate and use tools related to these. I can come up with my own presentations, type, edit and format my own documents, make my own computer calculations, and so much more.

Even though I said the skills aren't of use right now, they save me from spending unnecessarily when I can handle it myself. And for this, I thank grandma. And that's why sometimes, I still believe in the African way of bringing up a child - all imposition. Because honestly, it's mostly for your good.

There are times when parents' impositions will be outrageous... There are times when you won't want to do it. It's understandable. But the truth is that, most of the times, your patents are right.

If you're reading this today, there's only one advice for you: become computer literate and learn how to write.