Cape Town - Despite enormous technological advancements, learners from resource-deprived communities, about to enter the workforce or tertiary education, were still not computer literate, unable to perform basic computer tasks.
The Social Justice Agency (SJA) has therefore partnered with Stellenbosch University and the Telematics School Project, for a Learner Development Programme, to bridge the great digital divide.
On Saturday, an inaugural graduation ceremony was held for 27 Kleinvlei Secondary School learners at the Middelvlei Restaurant, Stellenbosch.
SJC managing director Edwin Cleophas said the initiative was an attempt to breach the gap between the rich and poor, restore dignity and empower the youth through psychometric assessments and career development.
Cleophas said learners from the poorest communities were without computer literacy skills and disconnected from the global cyber world.
“Learners did not know how to switch on a computer and they did not know how to access the internet through Google. These are learners who have one year of schooling left before they enter the job market.
“This is devastating when we look at how far the rest of the world and those privileged enough to have early exposure are in relation to these learners,” Cleophas said.
Part of the problem is the lack of exposure and access to computers, Cleophas said.
The basic computer training initiative also offered career development and finance training, partnering with institutions such as Woolworths and Nedbank.
Kleinvlei Secondary Grade 12 head Jeremy Zoutman said learners were taught how to compile their own CVs, create personal email addresses and send documents electronically.
“The aim is also to broaden their knowledge of computer proficiency. Our school does not have the tools to put more than 100 learners through a computer programme, so this project is a bridge between school and work life,” Zoutman.
The project commenced in May and lasted four weeks. Zoutman said most of the participants had never been exposed to computers before.