MySchool Card Digital Skills Virtual Ceremony
In May 2021, thirty (30) KwaZulu Natal youth enrolled in the ORT SA Digital Skills programme, sponsored by MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet.
The programme started in May 2021 and came to an end in July 2021. The aim of the programme was for ORT SA to offer training aligned to the needs in the job market.
The programme’s syllabus included courses accredited by recognised international institutions such as OpenWHO, Cisco NetAcad, LinkedIn. ORT SA courses were; Entrepreneurship, Canva for Beginners, Canva for Intermediate, CV Writing, Video Shooting and Editing, Career Guidance and Business Bootcamp.
On the 24th of August 2021, ORT SA hosted the MySchool Card Digital Skills Virtual Ceremony. It was time to show and prove what the youth has achieved in three months by handing them their certificates of achievement.
Digital Skills Programme Beneficiary, Sizwe Mkhize had this to say about the impact of the programme: “It has transformed our thinking of seeing ourselves as just end-users, it has given us an idea and knowledge that we can be part of the bigger picture by being able to apply the skills that we have been taught…..Also, it [The Digital Skills Programme] has taught us to be problem solvers within our communities because it doesn’t only teach us to be just employees, it encourages us to become independent business owners who can create opportunities within the community.”
MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet Marketing and CSI Manager, Helene Brand, had some encouraging words for the youth during the ceremony: “Whether you are working in a physical space at the moment or in a digital space, digital is going to be a very big part of your future even if you are in an industry like teaching which is very hands-on, very face to face, none of us are only going to work in a purely digital world, it will always be kind of this combination of physical and digital and learning to balance these skills and being prepared for your professional future and your career, is so important.”
When giving the vote of thanks, Digital Skills Programme Beneficiary, Anele Msomi had this to say: “First and foremost, I’d like to thank ORT SA for partnering with MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet for giving us the opportunity, as Sizwe said, the Digital Skills has not only created a stepping stone for one to start a business, but it has also informed and guided us in terms of which career to pursue. Once again, I’d like to thank ORT SA as well as MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet. We would not be here if it had not been for their generosity.”
Fighting unemployment in this country has been a lengthy and aching challenge. The need for programmes like this in combating this ‘war’ is vital, as it speaks to the needs of the job market and assists with bridging the skills gap. MySchool and ORT SA are proud of the youth dedication and achievements, and we would like to wish them well in their future endeavours.
To support youth and education in South Africa, simply join MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet, it’s free. Visit myschool.co.za or download the app and every time you shop at one of their retail partners, including Woolworths, Engen, Loot.co.za, Builders and more, the retail partner will give back a portion of your spend to a school or cause of your choice – at no additional cost to you.
