The City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services (LIS) department has collaborated with Google SA to provide free online-training in digital and entrepreneurial skills programmes in 12 of its eLearning Classrooms situated in libraries across the City.
The City believes that this initiative will be a game changer in how communities embrace the changing role of libraries across modern societies the world over.
This initiative is will improve skills in our youth, particularly youth from the previously forgotten communities.
According to statistics SA, the City of Johannesburg has a population of around 4.9 million people. Of concern is the economy’s ability to create sustainable futures for our residents.
The city currently has a 25% unemployment rate, of which 31.4 % is youth between the ages of 16 and 35.
In order for the City to tackle the twins of unemployment and poverty, the City is implementing targeted programmes for youth that will them the tools to forge opportunities for themselves in today’s society.
This will go a long way in contributing towards the priority of growing the economy of the City to 5% by 2021 as proclaimed by the current administration” stated Sifumba.
The courses’ content will be accessed by registering “for free” to be a student at the centres via an e-learning portal: “COJ-ELEARNING” – or online via www.cojelearning.org.za (where students can access the content beyond library operational hours). The programmes will be self-paced training programmes done in groups or individuals with the support of trained facilitators in the eClassroom facilities.
For every course completed Google will issue endorsed certificates that can be added to the students’ qualifications or courses completed.
The 12 e-Learning Classrooms that will be used are spread throughout the City, and are in the following libraries:
Region A: Diepsloot Library & Ivory Park;
Region B : Westbury Library;
Region C: Cosmo City Library;
Region D: Jabavu Library & Emdeni Library;
Region E: Sandton Library; Alexandra 8th Ave Library;
Region F: Johannesburg City Library;
Region G: Poortjie Library, Eldorado Library, & Orange Farm Library.
The eLearning portal will also be available to all City of Johannesburg staff.
