1. Executive Summary
SayPro (South African Youth Projects), in strategic partnership with Accenture South Africa, is rolling out a targeted training initiative to provide End User Computing (EUC) skills to 400 individuals living in South African townships. The program is a direct response to the persistent digital divide and high unemployment rates in township communities. Through accessible, relevant, and accredited training, this initiative aims to empower marginalized populations with the digital skills required to participate in the modern economy.
The program will serve communities in townships across provinces such as Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on youth, women, and unemployed individuals.
2. Background and Rationale
2.1 Digital Inequality in South African Townships
Townships in South Africa, originally designed under apartheid-era spatial planning, remain marginalized in terms of access to infrastructure, economic opportunity, and digital technology. Despite being home to millions of people, many township residents still lack access to basic computing resources and digital skills—key barriers to employability and socio-economic advancement.
A 2023 study by the Human Sciences Research Council found that only 38% of adults in townships reported being confident using a computer, and even fewer could perform basic functions such as emailing, using spreadsheets, or participating in virtual interviews.
2.2 Urgency for End User Computing (EUC) Training
End User Computing refers to the foundational set of skills required to use computers effectively in the workplace and daily life. These include:
- Basic computer literacy and digital confidence
- Use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet navigation and research
- Email and cloud storage management
- Online safety and digital citizenship
As businesses and services move online, EUC training is no longer a luxury but a necessity for inclusion and economic participation.
3. About the Partners
3.1 SayPro – South African Youth Projects
SayPro is a leading non-profit organisation focused on youth development, education, training, and employment. With a national presence, SayPro has implemented community-based programs in urban and rural townships for over a decade, impacting more than 100,000 beneficiaries.
SayPro’s township hubs and digital learning centres offer the infrastructure and community trust necessary for this kind of targeted digital literacy initiative.
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global professional services company that drives innovation in consulting, digital transformation, and social impact. In South Africa, Accenture invests in education, digital skills training, and inclusive development through its Skills to Succeed corporate citizenship program.
The partnership with SayPro is grounded in Accenture’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and creating economic opportunity for underrepresented communities.
4. Program Overview
4.1 Program Title
“Digital Empowerment Through End User Computing: Building the Township Workforce of the Future”
4.2 Program Duration
- Length: 10 weeks
- Total Learning Hours: 120
- Mode: Hybrid (in-person + online learning modules)
4.3 Geographic Focus Areas
The program will be implemented in townships across four provinces:
- Gauteng: Soweto, Tembisa, Alexandra, Diepsloot
- Western Cape: Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain
- Eastern Cape: Mdantsane, Zwide
- KwaZulu-Natal: Umlazi, Inanda
5. Program Objectives
5.1 Primary Objectives
- Train 400 township residents in End User Computing
- Improve participants’ digital literacy and workplace readiness
- Enable job seekers to access digital job applications and virtual interviews
- Promote self-employment through digital tools
5.2 Long-Term Impact Goals
- Strengthen township economies through a digitally skilled workforce
- Support inclusive economic development
- Build a scalable and replicable model for digital literacy across South Africa
6. Target Beneficiaries
6.1 Eligibility Criteria
This program is open to individuals who:
- Are between the ages of 18–35 (youth-focused)
- Reside in designated township communities
- Are currently unemployed or underemployed
- Have limited or no prior computer training
- Are available to attend all sessions over the 10-week duration
6.2 Priority Groups
- Women seeking re-entry into the workforce
- Youth out of school or without tertiary qualifications
- Informal sector workers (e.g., street vendors, local entrepreneurs)
- People living with disabilities (support provided)
7. Curriculum and Training Structure
7.1 Curriculum Modules
| Module | Content |
|---|---|
| Module 1 | Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems |
| Module 2 | Microsoft Word – Document Formatting and Editing |
| Module 3 | Microsoft Excel – Spreadsheets and Formulas |
| Module 4 | Microsoft PowerPoint – Creating Presentations |
| Module 5 | Internet Use and Digital Communication |
| Module 6 | Email Management and Professional Correspondence |
| Module 7 | Cloud Storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) and File Management |
| Module 8 | Cybersecurity Basics and Digital Etiquette |
| Module 9 | Workplace Simulation Projects |
| Module 10 | Final Assessment and Certification |
7.2 Training Approach
- Blended Learning: In-person sessions at local community centres, supported by online content
- Practical Exercises: Real-world business scenarios
- Peer Support: Group work and community learning
- Accessibility: Mobile data vouchers and printed manuals for those with limited internet
8. Certification and Recognition
Participants who complete the program will receive:
- A co-branded Certificate in End User Computing from SayPro and Accenture
- Recognition aligned to NQF Level 3 standards
- Digital badges for LinkedIn and online resumes
9. Learning Support and Resources
9.1 Infrastructure Provided
- Use of laptops/desktops at local training venues
- Free internet access during sessions
- Tablets on loan for learners without devices (where available)
9.2 Learning Materials
- Printed manuals and quick-reference guides
- Online resources and tutorials
- Support from trained local facilitators and mentors
10. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
10.1 Key Performance Indicators
| Indicator | Target |
|---|---|
| Enrolment | 400 learners |
| Completion Rate | 85% |
| Certification Rate | 75% |
| Job Placement/Opportunity Linkage | 40% within 6 months |
| Learner Satisfaction Score | 85% or higher |
10.2 Evaluation Tools
- Pre- and post-assessments
- Weekly feedback surveys
- Focus groups and alumni interviews
- Monthly reporting to funders and stakeholders
11. Post-Training Support
11.1 Job Readiness Services
- Resume writing and online job application workshops
- Mock interviews and soft skills coaching
- Access to SayPro’s job-matching platform
11.2 Entrepreneurial Support
- Introduction to online business tools (Canva, PayFast, Shopify)
- Digital marketing basics
- Connections to local entrepreneurship hubs
11.3 Advanced Digital Learning Pathways
Graduates may progress into:
- IT Support Technician Training
- Digital Marketing Certification
- Data Analytics for Beginners
- Coding Bootcamps
12. Expected Impact
12.1 For Participants
- Greater digital confidence and self-reliance
- Expanded employment options
- Ability to access government services online
- Stronger personal and community networks
12.2 For Township Communities
- Increased digital participation
- Youth empowerment and gender inclusion
- A scalable blueprint for community transformation
13. Sustainability and Scalability
13.1 Community-Driven Model
SayPro will train local community facilitators to sustain future programs and expand reach. Program materials will be reused, and online platforms maintained for continuous access.
13.2 National Expansion Potential
Following the success of this 400-person rollout, the goal is to scale up to 5,000 township learners by 2026 across South Africa, through support from Accenture and additional corporate or government partners.
14. Conclusion
The SayPro–Accenture End User Computing training program for South African townships represents more than a digital skills initiative—it’s an opportunity to redefine access, inclusion, and opportunity for some of the country’s most disadvantaged communities.
By equipping 400 township residents with EUC skills, the program not only helps individuals become work-ready but also contributes to the broader vision of a digitally enabled, inclusive South Africa. This initiative is a vital step towards digital democracy and community resilience in the age of innovation.
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