Microsoft South Africa, in partnership with Mentec Foundation and Afrika Tikkun, has celebrated the graduation of more than 300 students from the Get Online project. The Get Online project, sponsored by Microsoft South Africa, was launched in September 2014.
The project promotes digital inclusion, access and training for unemployed graduates by providing access to a computer, Microsoft Office solutions, internet and other skill enabling technology know-how. Both non-governmental organisations (NGO’s), Afrika Tikkun and Mentec Foundation, have more than 20 years’ experience in implementing skill development projects across township communities in South Africa.

According to Onyi Nwaneri, head of legal, resource development, marketing and communications for Afrika Tikkun, the aim of the project is to close the digital literacy gap locally and thereby boosting the employability of graduates.
“The purpose of the training is to upskill, on an individual level, while driving broader impact on employment and entrepreneurship opportunities,” says Zoaib Hoosen, MD of Microsoft South Africa.

With the assistance of trainers from 17 community-based organisations in townships and rural communities across the country, the project has successfully trained 300 master trainers. It is anticipated that the 300 trainers will go on to further reach 36 000 beneficiaries within their communities and surrounding areas. With a focus on developing skills in operating programmes, the project curriculum offers Microsoft Office Specialist and Basic Microsoft Technology Associate training, business skills through Mentec, life skills in partnership with Nethopo Academy as well as Mentec Foundation.

“Our main focus has always been to provide ICT related business skills along with core soft skills training,” says Solly Khoza, CEO of Mentec Foundation. We congratulate the 300 national graduates of the Get Online initiative and I am honoured to celebrate this achievement together with over 80 graduates today, who have attended the Gauteng-based graduation ceremony,” says Solly Khoza, CEO at Mentec Foundation.