I would recommend to anyone to learn python and PyQt for desktop applications, and further the web languages: html, javascript, css, just as I would recommend a calculator rather than an abacus to an accountant.
"But you can learn a lot from an abacus" well, that's a bit stupid but indeed you will be better at mental arithmetic than anybody.
What do you think is more useful:
programmer #1 knows C, C++, knows what the fuck goes on inside his computer, can build a program that prints out prime numbers, even factorise! solves your mathematical problems and gives you horrible output
programmer #2 knows html, css, javascript, python, can build you a blog in the least, can build websites. draws pretty solutions to your problems using flot or similar.
because programmers like #1 are getting raped and pillaged by the extension authors, iphone app creators etc that are coming up and making shit loads of money, doing cool things, making peoples lives easier, and ending world poverty. But not everyone is interested in these things (for example, all of us can program but I don't know anyone who has done anything useful).
programmers that start like #1 are definitely important, and much of the places where C/C++ are used are areas where a newcomer will be no addition until years because they're so skilled. But more and more people are programming like #2 and doing the things people want. Languages like python make it easier.
Jeez this is such shite, but it raises a few wee points. I'm in the middle of my exams, shouldnt be writing this, but my brians too mush to study, exam today so was up at 3am. Basically, the new programming stuff is incredibly empowering imo, and people should be thought not to program for the sake of it (which is useful) but to focus on a language that will work for them, use the libraries to help with their task, and build mighty fucking applications.