SkillWise Connect
Since 2010, SkillWise has been reaching out to young people in the underserved towns and villages of South Africa to provide them with the digital skills they need for the modern workplace. The delivery model is centre-based, so that students work in a community environment and support one another in overcoming any initial reservations about using computers.Central to the model is the SkillWise training platform, which uses established pedagogical principles to provide comprehensive training that covers a wide range of digital applications from beginner to intermediate levels. The six modules include file management, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, emails and internet use. Much of the training is simulation based, which means that the learner is practising real skills and not just acquiring head knowledge. Learning is reinforced by quizzes and tests done after each section of the teaching.
The computer takes care of all the assessments, both for learning and scoring purposes. Students can repeat the assessments as many times as they need in order to reach the recommended score of 80%. This self-testing is a key component of mastery learning. At every point, the learner is in charge of their own learning, they decide which bit of the course they want to study and set their own achievement goals, deciding how many times they want to repeat and how long they wish to take to do the course. MICT endorsed certificates are awarded for scores over 80%, and most learners find that, with perseverance, they are able to achieve that standard.So how does it work in practice?We have a number of centres operating around South Africa. If you would like to do the training in a centre, fill out our contact form below, and we will put you in touch with the centre nearest you.You may be thinking, “What if there is no centre in my area?” Well, there is good news: We have recently launched our online program, where the same training can be done from your own home. You will, of course, need your own laptop or tablet. You can find out more about this under Skillwise GoSome of you may be reading this because you are interested in using the SkillWise program in your own training centre. If this is you, read on:
SkillWise Centres
Gauteng
Joseph Mondo, Soweto
Benedict Mokoena, PretoriaWest
Gerald Munemo vdByl Park
Free State
- Richy’s Technology and Training
Richard Montoeli, Senekal and Bethlehem
Leemisa James Molelekoa, Mangaung
- Busakwe Tech City
Percy Busakwe, Thaba ‘Nchu
Northern Cape
Kgomotso Itumeleng, Kuruman
- Hantam Community Education Trust
Shane Liebenberg, Colesberg
KwaZulu Natal
- The Valley Trust
Sindi Mkhize, Valley of 1000 Hills
- Isibindi Foundation
Luke Martin, Hlabisa, KZN
Eastern Cape
- Sekunjalo SkillWise Training
Mlondolozi Kosi, Qonce
- Khanyisa Dordrecht
Vella Jadezweni
Western Cape
Nwabisa Dolo, Philippi
- UTurn South
Jonathan Edwards, Kenilworth
- UTurn North
Bianca Johnathan, Belville
