IT training materials can improve matric results

Developed by Mindset Learn, through funding from CoZa Cares, the multi-dimensional training materials are aimed at boosting the performance of over 5 000 learners studying IT for Matric. These learners have already been given the best foundation upon which to perform after Mindset Learn and CoZa Cares launched the Grade 11 set of training materials in November 2010.

CoZa Cares is the social responsibility arm of UniForum SA, the organisation that maintains the CO.ZA domain registry. Mindset Learn is the schooling programme of Mindset Network, an NGO that since 2002 has developed and distributed curriculum-aligned content to both learners and educators.

IT is the foundation for all further learning

Over 425 schools nationwide will begin receiving the Mindset Learn Grade 12 IT materials after the first set was officially handed over at the Wanderers' Golf Club to Phil Mnisi, director of curriculum development and innovation at the National Department of Basic Education on behalf of UniForum SA chairperson, Llewelyn Jones.

Speaking at the launch Mnisi alluded to the important responsibility of properly educating learners in IT skills. "Just as the ability to read and write has traditionally been the foundation upon which all other further learning is based, the same can now be said of IT. When a teacher educates a learner in the area of IT, suddenly so many other career opportunities open up."

SA must keep up with BRIC countries

Jones echoed Mnisi's comments. "Our investment in South African IT education continues to grow every single year thanks to our excellent partnership with Mindset. However, we also pump resources into IT training every year because it simply has to be done. After so much progress has been made, South Africa cannot afford to start slipping down the important indices which measure proficiency in Maths, Science and IT."

According to CoZa Cares manager, Fiona Wallace, IT is the engine which drives South Africa`s success as an information age economy. "Without greater numbers of IT proficient learners leaving school every year, it will be increasingly difficult for South Africa to keep up with countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China to which our future is tied. Our country is in desperate need of well-trained programmers, software engineers and web developers," she said.