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More than 150 students from Anglo American’s mining communities across the country are ready to take up information and communications technology (ICT) jobs and opportunities after successfully completing a series of Google certificate courses.
The students who belonged to the class of 2021 matriculants, completed the courses in IT Support, UX/UI Design, Project Management, and Data Analytics through the Anglo American Google IT sprint in 2021.
The Google IT Sprint forms part of the Anglo American SA Education Program contained in Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan, which aims to create skills and economic prosperity in the communities in which it operates.
This month, the students received their certifications, with the top 4 students winning additional cash prizes and a device. The top achievers included Fatima Milazi from Mpumalanga; Mudumani Rhulani and Mohlabya Matlakala both from Limpopo; and Gorataona Dikwidi from the Northern Cape. Having completed the courses while still writing matric exams, they now have the chance to get their feet into a local ICT industry which is constantly looking for skills.
“The opportunity helped me with career development and gaining IT skills and to get a better idea of what career I want to follow. The discipline of the course also helped me do better in my schoolwork,” said Rhulani.
“I learnt a lot from the course. It gave me a chance to explore more of the IT world, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” said Milazi.
“ICT skills and career opportunities are a big part of our Education Programmes and journey in our communities. It’s important that our learners not only get access to post-schooling opportunities in this field but also build foundational ICT skills to thrive in their communities and workplace,” said Zaheera Soomar, Anglo American’s Head of Education and Community Skills.
Apart from providing a laptop and data to the students, 130 of the company’s employees volunteered to spend at least one hour of their own time a month, to guide the students through the courses.
Oswell Muzanenhama, an IT technician in Anglo American’s Global IM division, said information technology was opening a world of opportunities for young people in fields like software development, networking, and hardware.
“We’re living in a digital age, where everything revolves around technology. IT is not just impacting the mining industry: it’s literally changing lives and communities. I want students to know how marvellous the world of IT is. These courses can open their minds to greater possibilities in medical advancement, machine learning, and any field of study you might think of,” said Muzanenhama.
Jayne Wagner, a systems enablement advisor in Anglo American’s supply chain division, said her passion for education saw her volunteer ‘almost instantly’. “One of the best investments we can make in our country is to give our kids an education. I did most of my post-school studies by correspondence while working and raising a family. I know how difficult it can be, and I know the benefits those extra qualifications bring. These learners are our future, and we need to equip them to face the challenges they will encounter,” she said.
About the Anglo American Education programme
The Anglo American South Africa Education Programme aims to improve learners’ educational outcomes and quality passes through addressing some of the underlying reasons for poor education outcomes by supporting school management teams, governing bodies, principals, and teaching staff. The programme forms part of Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan, and one of its pillars is to create thriving communities close to its operations, with education as a key building block.
The programme has set ambitious learner-focussed targets, including:
- 90% of learners aged five meeting the minimum requirements for school readiness
- 90% of grade 3 learners passing with at least 50% in Numeracy and Literacy
- 75% of grade 6 learners passing with at least 50% in Mathematics and English First Additional Language
- 90% matriculation pass rate, with a 50% university entrance
- 65% of grade 12 learners passing with at least 50% in Mathematics
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