The verdict in three sentences
If you are a shopkeeper, an administrative clerk or a young graduate in Thies and you still do everything on your phone, mastering the computer and professional email is the first step towards an office job. In 2026, about 7 job ads out of 10 ask for an email application with a CV attached, and many employers test typing at the interview. Kolonell's level 1 Beginner course, at 25,000 FCFA for 9 hours, costs less than evening classes and can be followed at your own pace from Thies, Tivaouane or Mbour.
Your options for learning in Thies, compared
Training centres in Thies offer introductory evening classes over 4 to 8 weeks. They have the advantage of an in-person trainer but impose fixed hours and travel. Free videos exist, but are rarely adapted to the AZERTY keyboard, French accents and the habits of Senegalese offices.
| Option | 2026 price (order of magnitude) | Duration | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person evening classes in Thies | 40,000 to 60,000 FCFA | 4 to 8 weeks, 2 evenings a week | Trainer, equipped room, fixed hours |
| Private lessons at home | 5,000 to 10,000 FCFA per hour | 10 to 15 h, so 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA | Individual pace, high cost |
| Free YouTube videos | 0 FCFA plus data | Variable, often abandoned | No follow-up, no certificate |
| International online certificates | 0 to 30,000 FCFA | 5 to 20 h | Often in English, examples out of context |
| Kolonell level 1 course | 25,000 FCFA | 9 h online, 4 modules, 20 lessons | 52 exercises, quizzes, verifiable certificate |
The course Getting to grips with your computer, files and email, taught in French, covers Windows 11 and the AZERTY keyboard with accents, organising files with a dated naming rule, automatic backup to Google Drive or OneDrive, then professional email on Gmail or Outlook. You finish with an email signature, three message templates and a sheet of 20 keyboard shortcuts.
What it changes for jobs in Thies
Basic computing does not give you a job on its own. It does, however, open the door to many positions where computer skills are a deal-breaker.
| Target job in Thies | Starting gross monthly salary (2026 order of magnitude) | Computer skill required |
|---|---|---|
| Data entry clerk | 90,000 to 140,000 FCFA | Fast typing, organised files |
| Administrative clerk | 100,000 to 180,000 FCFA | Work email, attachments, filing |
| Supermarket cashier | 80,000 to 120,000 FCFA | Till software, simple reports |
| Sales assistant | 120,000 to 200,000 FCFA | Client emails, quotes, follow-ups |
| School or practice secretary | 100,000 to 160,000 FCFA | Letters, files, email |
| Shopkeeper managing suppliers by email | Time saved, no salary | Orders and invoices by email |
These figures are orders of magnitude: salary depends on the employer, qualifications and experience, and no income is guaranteed. The course makes you credible on this ground; the interview and the rest of the track make the difference.
And after level 1?
This course is level 1 of 5 in the Office and productivity track. Level 2 covers professional Word, followed by spreadsheets and advanced office tools. The full 5-level track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA if you take the courses separately.
Mini case study
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Fatou, 23, holds a BTS in management in Thies and sends her applications from WhatsApp because she has never created a proper email address. She enrolls in the 25,000 FCFA course and completes it in 3 weeks at 3 hours a week. She creates a professional address, files her CVs and cover letters in dated folders and sends 12 clean email applications. If she lands an administrative clerk job at 120,000 FCFA a month, the course cost equals about 6 days of salary. Compared with a 50,000 FCFA evening class, she also saves 25,000 FCFA and a dozen trips into town.
FAQ
Do I need to know how to use a computer already?
No, level 1 is designed for complete beginners. You only need to be able to switch on the computer and open a browser; everything else is explained step by step over 20 lessons.
Can I take the course without my own computer?
You need a computer to do the 52 exercises. Many learners in Thies use a relative's machine or a cybercafé, at about 300 to 500 FCFA an hour.
How long does it take to finish?
The course lasts 9 hours. At 3 hours a week, you finish in 3 weeks, and access stays open if you need more time.
Is the certificate recognised by employers?
The Kolonell certificate can be verified online by the employer. It is not a state diploma, but it proves 9 hours of practice and a validated final project.
How do I pay from Thies?
Payment is by Wave or Orange Money, 25,000 FCFA in one go. Access opens as soon as payment is confirmed.
Take the next step. Enroll in Getting to grips with your computer, files and email: 9 hours online, 25,000 FCFA, verifiable Kolonell certificate included. Pay with Wave or Orange Money. Questions? WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.