1. Executive Summary
SayPro (South African Youth Projects), in collaboration with Accenture South Africa, is proud to announce the launch of an End User Computing (EUC) training program targeted at 400 individuals in the Gauteng province. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, promote digital literacy, and empower individuals—particularly youth, women, and the unemployed—with essential computing skills required to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. The program will be delivered through a blended approach, combining in-person training sessions with digital learning platforms across urban, peri-urban, and township areas of Gauteng.
2. Background and Context
2.1 The Digital Skills Gap in South Africa
South Africa is undergoing rapid digital transformation, yet large segments of the population remain digitally excluded. The digital skills gap, especially in provinces with high population density like Gauteng, is a significant barrier to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility.
Gauteng, despite being the economic hub of South Africa, is home to many communities that lack access to digital training infrastructure. Townships and peri-urban areas such as Soweto, Tembisa, Diepsloot, Mamelodi, and Alexandra face high levels of youth unemployment and low levels of digital literacy.
2.2 What is End User Computing?
End User Computing (EUC) refers to a foundational set of computer skills that empower individuals to:
- Operate computers confidently
- Use productivity tools like Microsoft Office
- Manage digital files and folders
- Access and use the internet for communication and job-seeking
- Troubleshoot basic technical issues
EUC training is a gateway to broader digital learning and a stepping stone toward careers in business administration, data management, IT, customer service, and beyond.
3. About the Partners
3.1 SayPro – South African Youth Projects
SayPro is a non-profit organisation committed to youth empowerment, community development, and skills training across South Africa. With an emphasis on digital inclusion and economic transformation, SayPro has delivered impactful training programs in all 9 provinces, engaging over 100,000 individuals since its inception.
In Gauteng, SayPro has established training facilities and partnerships with local schools, NGOs, and municipalities to deliver community-centric education programs.
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global professional services company specializing in consulting, technology services, and outsourcing. Accenture South Africa has been actively involved in supporting digital literacy, STEM education, and inclusive economic development through various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Their partnership with SayPro is grounded in a shared mission to build a more inclusive, future-ready workforce by investing in foundational digital education.
4. Objectives of the EUC Training Program
4.1 Primary Objectives
- Train 400 individuals in Gauteng in End User Computing over a 10-week period.
- Improve employability and digital confidence among participants.
- Target youth (18–35 years), unemployed adults, women, and individuals from disadvantaged communities.
4.2 Broader Socioeconomic Goals
- Contribute to reducing youth unemployment in Gauteng.
- Support entrepreneurship and self-employment through digital skills.
- Enhance participants’ ability to access and complete online applications, educational content, and government services.
- Lay a foundation for further learning in advanced digital skills, such as coding, data analytics, or IT support.
5. Program Structure
5.1 Training Methodology
The program will follow a blended learning approach, with flexibility to accommodate participants with varying levels of digital access and literacy.
Components include:
- In-person classroom training: Delivered at SayPro centers in Soweto, Johannesburg CBD, Tembisa, and Mamelodi.
- Self-paced e-learning: Through SayPro’s online learning platform, accessible via mobile and desktop.
- Facilitated workshops: Led by certified digital skills trainers.
- Assessments and certification: To evaluate learning outcomes and provide formal recognition.
5.2 Training Duration
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Learning Hours: 120 hours total (12 hours per week average)
- Mode: Hybrid (Online and Offline)
6. Curriculum Overview
The EUC curriculum is aligned with South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and designed for accessibility, engagement, and real-world applicability.
Module Breakdown
| Module | Topics |
|---|---|
| Module 1 | Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems |
| Module 2 | Microsoft Word – Word Processing Fundamentals |
| Module 3 | Microsoft Excel – Spreadsheet Basics |
| Module 4 | Microsoft PowerPoint – Presentation Skills |
| Module 5 | Using Email and the Internet Effectively |
| Module 6 | Cloud Storage & File Management (Google Drive, OneDrive) |
| Module 7 | Introduction to Cybersecurity and Online Safety |
| Module 8 | Digital Citizenship and Ethics |
| Module 9 | Final Project – Workplace Simulation |
| Module 10 | Review and Final Assessments |
7. Recruitment and Beneficiary Profile
7.1 Target Groups
The following demographics are being prioritized for recruitment:
- Unemployed youth aged 18–35
- Women from underrepresented communities
- Residents of townships and informal settlements
- Individuals without formal tertiary education
- Early-stage entrepreneurs needing digital skills
7.2 Recruitment Process
- Outreach Campaigns – Community radios, WhatsApp broadcasts, local churches, and community centers
- Application Submission – Via SayPro’s online portal and walk-in registrations at local hubs
- Screening Interviews – To assess commitment and suitability
- Enrollment and Orientation
8. Support and Learning Resources
8.1 Facilitators and Trainers
- Qualified trainers will be recruited and deployed in each region.
- SayPro’s national pool of facilitators will provide continuous learner support.
8.2 Digital Tools Provided
Participants will receive:
- Access to computers or tablets during in-person sessions
- Free mobile data vouchers for online components
- Study packs and printed guides
9. Certification and Post-Training Opportunities
9.1 Certification
Participants who complete the program will receive a co-branded certificate from SayPro and Accenture, which will enhance their employability and credibility in the job market.
9.2 Employment and Further Training Pathways
After certification, participants will gain access to:
- Job placement support through SayPro’s employer networks
- Internship opportunities
- Enrollment in higher-level digital skills programs, including:
- Data Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Office Administration
- Entrepreneurship Development
10. Monitoring and Evaluation
10.1 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Number of individuals trained: 400
- Completion rate: Minimum 85%
- Certification rate: Minimum 75%
- Job placement rate (6-month post-training): 40%
- Participant satisfaction score: Above 85%
10.2 Feedback Mechanisms
- Weekly feedback surveys
- End-of-program focus groups
- Stakeholder impact assessments
SayPro will publish a final impact report summarizing key results and case studies of participant success stories.
11. Expected Outcomes and Impact
11.1 Short-Term Outcomes
- 400 Gauteng residents become digitally literate and work-ready.
- Increased access to jobs, freelance gigs, and online opportunities.
- Increased confidence in using technology in daily life and work.
11.2 Long-Term Impact
- Contributes to the provincial digital strategy.
- Supports South Africa’s National Development Plan (2030) in creating an inclusive, knowledge-based economy.
- Strengthens community resilience through upskilling.
12. Sustainability and Future Expansion
This project is designed to be replicable and scalable. SayPro and Accenture plan to use this pilot program to build a case for expanding to other provinces such as:
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Eastern Cape
- Limpopo
- North West
Future phases may incorporate specialized training in coding, cybersecurity, and remote work skills to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
13. Conclusion
This partnership between SayPro and Accenture represents a milestone in digital empowerment for Gauteng. The delivery of End User Computing training to 400 individuals is not just about education—it is about creating access, opportunity, and transformation.
By investing in people and their digital futures, we are laying the foundation for inclusive development, economic participation, and sustainable growth in South Africa’s most populous and dynamic province.
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