In 2011 Independence
ZA launches its most important project since its inception: to provide
exclusive funding for a digital literacy programme, which will be run
by our community-based partners, The Good Work Foundation. We’ll
establish a licensed ICDL centre in the town of Philippolis, which will
provide internationally recognised computer and digital skills
certifications. In the first year we’ll train 30 students with a view
to rolling out a wider programme in year two. Below is further
information about this important initiative.
The Need
Being computer literate and able to navigate the digital world is a
fundamental building block for a successful future. In poor, rural
areas in South Africa, a Matric certificate (equivalent of A-levels)
doesn’t provide adequate access and preparation for the world of work
and tertiary studies. A low standard of English and computer skills is
taught, skills without which the Matric certificate is worth very
little. Therefore students in South Africa’s poor and rural areas are
significantly disadvantaged.
The Solution
Independence ZA believes a solution to poor digital education lies in
our Digital Literacy Programme. We’ll be focussing on providing young
students the digital skills required for life in the 21st century.
Through our local partner, The Good Work foundation, which has a
qualified facilitator, Elviera Smeer, we’ll register Bergmanshoogte
Primary School as an accredited ICDL centre in 2011. The classes will
be offered to school leavers and other young adults, using the school’s
computer lab.
What is ICDL?
The
International Computer Driver License (ICDL) is an internationally
recognised qualification stemming from the Europe-based ECDL organisation. Its mission is to
enable proficient use of IT that empowers individuals, organisations
and society through the development, promotion and delivery of quality
certification programmes throughout the world. As a not-for-profit
organisation, the ICDL is committed to improving digital skills
proficiency within society.
In
2011 we’ll train 30 students in four core ICDL modules, equipping them
with all the necessary computer skills they need in order to compete in
the working world today. Once they have written the exams we’ll
identify some high potential students who could become facilitators to
work with Elviera. They will then complete further modules so that they
can qualify as facilitators.
Growing the programme…
Using the school as the initial learning hub we’ll begin training in
2011 and the ongoing training of new facilitators will ensure the
sustainability of the programme and enable us, dependent on further
funding, to replicate this model in similar rural areas.
What will this mean?
The digital literacy programme will have some obvious direct benefits:
-
Graduates
will be fully
equipped with email and internet, and basic
word processing and spreadsheet skills. This will allow them to
participate in society, work and further education on a more stable and
equal footing. Those who excel will also be trained as facilitators and
trainers.
We believe the programme will open
up further opportunities:
-
The students will be equipped with
skills to find employment.
-
There is the possibility that some
of the high potential and motivated students further their studies in
the field of IT and Education
-
There is opportunity for the
entrepreneurs among those trained to create businesses utilising the
training they have, for example opening internet cafes or selling goods
on eBay.
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