For the hearing impaired, it’s not always easy to find the perfect career.

But now the opportunities in accounting, book keeping and related services are easier to access for the learners at De la Bat School for the deaf who recently received a donation of Pastel Accounting training software for schools.

Because of its visual appeal, accounting is a very popular career choice for hearing impaired people. The De La Bat School for the Deaf is run by the National Institute for the Deaf - a non-profit organisation, so funds are limited but needs are never ending. Because the school is the only one of its kind to teach Pastel’s products, it is only fitting that we support them in any way possible.

Pay it forward

Our local dealer in Worcester in the Western Cape, Izak Greef from Kompas Besigheids Dienste, has provided free IT support to the school for many years but found it difficult to help them with training on their Pastel Accounting software because the school curriculum is so specific. So, when he asked for assistance we were happy to help.

Pastel’s Certified School Program delivers training in line with the accounting curriculum for grades 10, 11 and 12 but also makes sure that learners are able to use accounting software in a real life scenario.

“Up until now, I have taught the accounting syllabus using the standard Pastel Accounting software geared toward businesses. Our new School’s Program will go a long way in guiding me and the learners successfully through the curriculum,” says Obie Moelich, the commerce educator who teaches accounting.

Onwards and upwards

Last year, nine learners left the school with an accounting qualification. When they leave De la Bat, the accounting learners either qualify with an N4 in Financial Systems or N6 in Information and Computer Processing, both of which are a good base for jobs requiring accounting knowledge. “So many of our pupils find work because of their Pastel experience,” continues Mrs Moelich. “For people who are completely deaf, a job means so much.”