The Get Online training project, sponsored by Microsoft South Africa, is a partnership between Mentec Foundation and Africa Tikkun.
The project promotes digital inclusion and training for unemployed graduates by providing access to computers, Microsoft Office, the Internet and other skills-enabling technology.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony Africa Tikkun boss, Marc Lubner said he feels rewarded each time he empowers people with skills.
“I used to earn a lot of money in my previous job, but I never felt fulfilled, but have been filled with satisfaction since I joined this lower paying job of training the youth,” said Lubner.
Lubner said that youth in South Africa were not only facing problems of unemployment, but of unemployability as well. He added that acquiring computer skills was a way of improving one’s chances of getting employed.
Microsoft managing director Zoaib Hoosen said digital skills were important.
“More people in South Africa have access to the digital world through Smartphones than clean drinking water,” said Hoosen.
Onyi Nwaneri, communications head of Afrika Tikkun, said the project was designed to close the digital literacy gap which, he said, was a boost to the employability of graduates.
One graduate, Bongani Mahlangu, could not hide his excitement.
“I have a feeling that finding a job will not be a big challenge. Employers always ask for computer skills wherever I apply for employment,” said Mahlangu.
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