Imagine not knowing what Google is, or how to use the Internet. We give people the skills they need to join the digital age so they, LIKE YOU, can use it to look for work, promote a business, learn a skill, or access information. Millions in South Africa cannot and do not know where to start. Many have a smartphone but only use it for WhatsApp or Facebook. Does this matter? Yes. "Digital skills provide the poor a catalyst to break out of the cycle of poverty and empower themselves." G20, 2018
Millions of South Africans will never escape poverty because they are unable to access or be part of the digital world that WE take for granted. 50% of South Africans are not connected to the Internet and over 70% of South Africans do not use email. Only 10% of households have a computer. Many people have never connected to the Internet and do not know where to start. And 37% do not believe the Internet matters to them. If they do get connected, they enter a world they know little about.
Give a family a fish and you feed them for a day. Help them catch their own fish and you feed them for a lifetime. SHARP Digital provides the skills adults, families and communities need to access the digital economy making it easier for them to thrive. SHARP Digital's courses are FREE, short, easy and fun to do. They assume no prior knowledge. And the skills learned open a door to the digital economy that is growing by the day.
Learners who take our courses will be able to use the Internet, access digital information, and begin to take advantage of the economic opportunities the digital world provides. They will be aware of the risks involved, begin to lift themselves out of poverty and share these new skills with their friends and families. And remember - this is good for everyone: "An inclusive digital economy can lead to more trade, better capital use, improved efficiency, and accelerated innovation." (G20, 2018)
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
