The I-CAN Centre (Genesis CITI) in partnership with InterPlay SA has piloted a unique project where youth are trained in artisan skills through an online learning platform called SkillMill.
According to Llewellyn Scholtz from the I-CAN Centre this unique project has enabled youth to obtain skills in electrical, solar, air-conditioning and plumbing.
“The pilot project has been conducted over a period of three months, where youth were also exposed to 4IR technology called Facebook Oculus where they obtained practical skills in an online simulated environment. These students received their certificate of completion and will be further guided in implementing their skills within the artisan workplace environment,” says Scholtz.
With the high unemployment rate in South Africa, and many communities being challenged with domestic violence and gangsterism, Scholtz says they have embarked on a journey to address the social ills through skills development programmes.
“If we can give young people the skills, they can be the catalyst to change their own destiny. Our communities need skilled people to uplift themselves from poverty. Our hope is that these students will grow into leaders in their community,” says Scholtz.
