South Africa

Disadvantaged and underserved people in South Africa often lack access to essential services. As a result, one of the main priorities of the Government since 1994 has been to extend the quality and range of essential services from previously advantaged segments of South Africa to townships, informal settlements and rural areas. In the past, ICT access was not considered an essential service, however with the evolving global community and the increasing demand for technical and ICT Entrepreneurs, there is an increasing recognition that universal services should go beyond the provision of telephonic services and include more advanced digital services.

The South African government has made attempts to provide access to ICT and ICT Skills Development in the form of part-time and permanent access points. Some of the access points include Multi-Purpose Community Centers (MPCCs), Telecenters, Cyber labs, Personal Information Terminals (PITs), Department of Communication Web Internet Laboratories (DoCWILs), Citizen’s Post Offices (CPOs), as well as Public Libraries. The majority of these centers in rural areas remain underutilized mainly due to costs associated with the use of ICT services, difficulties in accessing these facilities as a result of the sparsely populated nature of rural settlements, as well as lack of computer training.

Nzabela MOBILE Training (200 – 427 NPO) has identified the challenges faced by the rural population of South
Africa and proposes a very cost effective initiative to address these challenges. We are proposing the roll-out of mobile classroom where the YOUTH can get quality computer training from experienced facilitators at no cost to them. The classrooms will feature a customised12m long containers on wheels, each with 6 desk spaces to accommodate 18 learners at a time. One of the major advantages of these classroom units is the fact that they can be moved from one place to the next, bringing training to the rural population without having to travel long distances and spend a lot of money, which they do not have, to access them.

 

Please list links to your Website and Social Media Platforms here:

NzabelaMOBI_
Twitter
Nzabela MOBILE Computer Training
Facebook

 

Describe in detail what your Organisation does:

 

  • NZABELA MOBI Computer Training will is a unique, non-venue based mobile computer training facility,
    which can reach the computer-illiterate communities in even the remotest corners of South-Africa
    The purpose of the programme is to build the knowledge and skills required by learners in End User
    Computing in all nine (9) provinces of South Africa. It is intended to empower learners in the rural areas to
    acquire basic computer knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to operate confidently in the End
    User Computing environment in the South African community and to respond to the challenges of the
    economic environment.
    The programme provides a framework for learners to develop skills that will enable them to become
    competent in End User Computing. It introduces theoretical concepts of End User Computing and requires the
    application thereof, to develop a range of skills that will enable learners to be better informed workers in
    their chosen industry. It provides a balanced learning experience that lays the foundation for access to
    further education, life-long learning and to productive employment.

 

How long has your Organisation been operational?

 

  • 1 year will be starting the project end of March.

 

In your opinion, what has been the most challenging aspect of running your Organisation?

 

  • Access to grant funding.

 

Describe your Nonprofit Journey in three words:

 

  • Challenging, Educational and rewarding at the same time.

 

Do you collaborate with other Causes? If yes, would you like to mention them?

 

  • BasadiPele Skills Development & Training, WeThinkCode_ and in talks with eLearnSA

 

If you had one Organisation wish, what would it be?

 

  • To have started this awesome initiative 10 years back.

 

In your opinion, which skills do Nonprofits in your Country lack?

 

  • Time management and planning.

 

Looking back at your Cause Journey, what advice would you give a newbie Organisation?

 

  • Perseverance and never lose hope.

 

If you could change one thing about the Nonprofit Landscape, what would it be?

 

  • Nature in funding space and have more corporate involved.

 

Which Cause achievement are you most proud of? Feel free to elaborate on why and include any links

 

  • Being participant in Ashoka Changemakers – Rural Development Category.

 

Last question, if your friends had to describe your Organisation in three words, which would they use?

 

  • Community driven and empowerment.

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