Microsoft, USAASA bring technology to South African communities

THE Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) together with Microsoft have come up with an innovative initiative which seeks to offer people living in underserved communities across South Africa access to technology and skills that will increase their employability.

The partnership includes the establishment of new community access centres (previously known as ‘telecentres’) throughout South Africa. It also includes the creation of computer refurbishment centres, which will see residents of local communities trained to recondition computers and provide them to the community at low cost.

The partnership will also train computer literacy trainers and assist the community access centres to become accredited computer literacy training providers.

Acting USAASA chief executive Phineas Moleele said that an important element of the community access centres would be to allow people to access the latest computer technologies and receive higher levels of professional ICT training, making them more employable.

USAASA chairman Cassandra Gabriel noted that: “The majority of South Africans do not have the skills to use computers or access the internet. They do not know how these technologies will improve their lives.

“The younger generations understand that they have to be computer literate to be employable, but they cannot afford the training. USAASA’s partnership with Microsoft will help to ensure that we use the most modern and effective learning tools to help South Africans learn the 21st century skills, critical for sustainable economic growth.”

The agreement will see Microsoft South Africa provide free software – in local languages, where available – to the access centres for three years. It will also make available its IT Academy programme, which offers internationally-accredited qualifications, and give graduates of the programme access to workplace experience through its Student2Business programme.

ITNewsAfrica.com, Johannesburg