Sakhane Youth Development Forum aims to bridge the digital divide

Nothing is as stressful as life after matric, especially for those who cannot afford to study further and end up opting to seek employment right after matric. With most of our township schools not having Computer Application Technology (CAT) as a subject, many learners leave schools not computer literate and this sometimes become a challenge when they look for jobs. Even for those who are going to varsity, digital literacy is as important.

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The global pandemic has also proven that being digital literate is important as virtual meetings, classes and events have become our new normal. Sakhane Youth Development Forum has recently introduced an initiative to empower learners by giving them fundamental digital skills required when entering the job market. Sakhane is an organisation that focuses on digital development within marginalised communities.

“Our goal is to bridge the digital and unemployment divides because as they leave school, some will be looking for jobs. But how do you get hired when you don’t have the necessary skills? So, as an organisation we have decided to uplift them and be the vehicle of opportunities to our young people,” said Cavall Elliot founder and digital instructor at Sakhane Youth Development Forum.

The organisation has recently completed a short course of digital literacy infused with job readiness with Anchor High School learners in Meadowlands.

“We have equipped them with the basics of the digital world so that when they leave school, they will be hireable and not have to go through the expenses of paying for short courses and we offered the training for free,” Cavall said.

The organisation has also partnered with other organisations which are assisting with scholarships and bursaries. At the recent graduation of those who completed the Microsoft Digital Literacy course at Anchor High, some of the learners were awarded with scholarships. Most of these learners were Grade 10s and 11s and through their speeches at the event, it was evident that this course was much needed for them. To top it all up, leadership developer and youth inspirer, Vikela Rankinn gave some much needed motivation.

“We are looking to extend this initiative to other schools in Soweto and South Africa as whole. Our plan is to also get a computer lab for this school. However, it has not been easy as we have been running everything from our own pockets, so, we are also looking for sponsorships,” Cavall said.