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Education is one of South Africa's top three national priorities. In fact, the National Development Plan cites education, training and innovation as being central to the country's long-term development as core elements in eliminating poverty, reducing inequality and as the foundations of an equal society.
In a bid to discover some of the innovative education programmes striving to increase not only access, but also the quality of education for children and young people, particularly those in low-income communities, I spoke to Adi Stephan, the Head of Learning and Development at IQbusiness—an independent South African management consulting firm.
Stephan said, "Using innovative new ways in education will ensure equal access for learners across geographies and communities. Bringing technology, like virtual reality, into the classroom will immediately uplift the standard, ensuring the same standard across communities and geographies, as well as create a quality benchmark, that, again, is used across communities and geographies."
South Africa's education system has faced its share of challenges, but these are being met head-on by the country's innovators. For instance, over the past few years, education in South Africa has received something of an "e-learning digital makeover", in which old-fashioned, dusty textbooks are gradually being replaced by tablets, computers and mobile phones.
This year, IQbusiness launched a virtual reality (VR) school curriculum that is generating a lot of interest among schools and the Department of Education.
Asked what he would say to those who suggest that South Africa is lagging behind in the area of innovation in education, Stephan replied: "Currently, global trending innovations in the education space include the teaching robots for languages (Korea) and 3D glasses for science (Dubai). When it comes to innovation in the education space, South Africa is not lagging behind, but facing different challenges to the rest of the world."
Stephan said, "Challenges include everything from the number of teachers and levels of education to the availability of facilities and equipment. Global research clearly shows that South Africa ranked in the bottom when it comes to maths and science education. Therefore, innovation in the South African context means finding new and different ways to reach learners; innovation means thinking outside of the box to bring learning to new communities, including those in the more rural inaccessible areas."
Stephan said, "Globally, the Fourth Industrial Revolution prepares us for a new and different way of working. The way we work will change. Our values, the way we live and communicate is changing. The pace of things has changed already."
As far as some of the innovations that are needed to ensure that South Africa's children receive the education they deserve, Stephan said, "Generally we need to ensure that the full range of available technology is deployed to areas, communities, schools and children across South Africa. In summary, some of the innovations needed include high-speed connectivity, tablet/iPad devices, virtual reality devices and education software."
According to Michael Wolf, the CEO of Formula D—an interactive experience design firm that seeks to make learning accessible and fun using interactive technologies and game design—the country needs to undergo a learning revolution to keep up with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and improve the way young South Africans learn.
Wolf was speaking in September at the SA Innovation Summit 2018 where he delivered commentary to a panel that was examining the topic: Ed tech that works, building pragmatic innovations for SA's wicked problems. "To tackle this systemic, multi-layered, wicked problem of education in South Africa, we need to generate societal consent around the value of education. If we manage to nurture a culture of learning in South Africa, we might be able to create enough momentum to shift our focus toward a better education system—a revised system supported by teachers, parents and policymakers," Wolf said.
South Africa is ranked as one of the poorest performing nations in the world when it comes to maths and science. According to a report released by the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) earlier this year, only 33% of matrics passed maths with a grade of 40% or higher and only 18.3% of government schools have science laboratories.
Of course, there are still many very real obstacles to technology-enabled education. Wolf said making use of informal learning space outside the school's framework is essential and will provide a platform that helps to coach kids on how to best understand these complex subjects. Alternative learning spaces include community libraries, science centres and museums, which can easily substitute deficiencies in the formal education sector.
According to a statistic provided by the World Economic Forum, 65% of today's primary school children will be working in jobs that do not exist yet. Advanced technology, while presenting the challenge of preparing children for an unknown future, also presents opportunities for their development that have never existed before, such as robotics and virtual reality.
For many, this future will require hard skills like coding and programming. However, with technology developing at its current speed, they will all need to be able to figure out how technology works without a manual, said Patricia Gouws, a Senior Lecturer at the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
It is for this reason that CSET is teaching children robotics by giving them the opportunity to build and code robots themselves. This not only teaches them about teamwork but it also teaches them engineering and programming principles. More importantly, they are trained to figure things out for themselves—learning through participation.
"We are preparing children to think and learn, and we are teaching them that programming is not difficult or scary," said Gouws. This technology is not available to the average child yet, especially in previously disadvantaged communities.
"One challenge is accessibility: moving entire computer labs or virtual reality sets from school to school is no small feat. UNISA is solving this challenge by stocking a mobile unit that brings robotics to children who would otherwise not be able to participate. A second challenge is the cost of getting advanced technology into impoverished areas, which is why solutions like the virtual chemistry lab table are designed to be more affordable.
Meanwhile, in a world that is rapidly evolving and advancing technologically, the nurturing of skills is also paramount. Investing in both is critical to the advancement of individuals, communities and countries.
According to Jackie Carroll, the CEO and co-founder of Media Works, the leading provider of adult education and training (AET) in South Africa for over 22 years, "As the world marked International Literacy Day earlier this month on 8 September, there was reason to pause and reflect on the status of literacy in South Africa." Carroll said, "If the numbers are anything to go by, (in as far as literacy is concerned) South Africa is in a better position than it has been in for some time. In the 15 years between 2002 and 2017, Stats SA reports that the percentage of people over the age of 20 who were regarded as functionally illiterate dropped from 28.5% to 13.7%."
However, Carroll cautioned, "But this does not mean that young adults are adequately prepared for further learning or employment, or that they are equipped with the additional skills necessary for them to compete and succeed in the global economy."
She explained, "The definition of "functional literacy" only indicates an education of Grade 7 or above, and not an individual's ability to read and write at a level suitable to acquire and maintain a job. In fact, South Africa's leading adult education and training (AET) institutions continue to supply literacy training at levels that are below Grade 9, and constantly have to create skills-related programmes."
And South Africa is not alone, she added, "This tandem issue is a global phenomenon. It's no mistake that the theme of International Literacy Day 2018 was Literacy and Skills Development. In order to find a place in society, get a job and respond to social, economic and environmental challenges, traditional literacy and numeracy skills are no longer enough; new skills, including in information and communication technology, are becoming increasingly necessary," said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO's Director General.
The skills required to succeed professionally include so-called soft skills, such as the ability to communicate effectively, work in a team and think critically, and the hard skills that require deliberate instruction and training. The latter ranges from basic computer skills, which are essential for most positions (or at least, for acquiring them), to anything from knowing how to weld to knowing how to code. Without these skills, doors remain closed to prospective employees.
Said Carroll, "This places additional pressure on educational institutions (including AET entities), non-governmental organisations and businesses to properly train and skill their learners, students, beneficiaries and employees. In order to be successful, this task has to be undertaken collectively and in as innovative and integrated a way as possible."
Speaking of the importance of an innovative and integrated approach to learning, Carroll said, "As technology makes demands on literacy and skills development, perhaps the best solution is to use technology to improve the way we learn and teach.
"If used effectively, educational and skills development programmes based on technology have the capacity to access learners across all levels, subjects and geographic locations. They also provide a consistent level in the quality of instruction, and are not dependent on the qualifications and abilities of facilitators, which inevitably vary."
As this way of thinking gains momentum, programmes are being developed that make learning interesting, engaging and relevant in a technologically driven and demanding world. The most effective literacy and skills development programmes are using a combination of high-quality computer- and paper-based course material, disseminated through a variety of media.
For example, Media Works' newly launched Accelerate Pro programme uses textbooks, which contain QR codes, to provide learners with access to short multimedia lessons via their mobile phones. A first for South Africa, these 'bubbles', as they are called, explain complicated concepts and offer practical examples, thereby facilitating learning and improving understanding.
In order to be meaningful and beneficial, learning programmes need to integrate innovative technological tools. Such approaches have the capacity not only to improve the fundamentals of literacy, but also to teach a wide variety of skills too.
Carroll believes, "Perhaps, the first step to transforming literacy and learning in South Africa is enhancing the collective understanding that learning is a lifelong activity. It is facilitated by a variety of actors and influences, programmes and opportunities, and needs to remain a constant strategic priority for all parties committed to sustained progress."
"Preparing young people and adults for jobs, the majority of which have not yet been invented, is a challenge," added Azoulay. "Accessing lifelong learning, taking advantage of pathways between different forms of training, and benefiting from greater opportunities for mobility has thus become indispensable."
Effective literacy and skills development programmes require perseverance and continuous adaptation. Embracing this concept is the cornerstone of development.
That education and innovation go hand in hand is plain to see, however, there are those who would argue that while much needs to change, a difference is required not only in what is taught, but also in how it is taught.
One such person is Carmen Di Rito, the co-founder and Chief Development Officer at LifeCo UnLtd SA. A Wits graduate with an Honours degree in Adult Education, she established LifeCo UnLtd SA with Pat Pillai 21 years ago in a backyard garage with a handful of students determined to change the mindsets and the narrative of previously disadvantaged black youths.
For the last 20 years LifeCo UnLtd SA, has worked to develop and refine what they call "a humanising conscientising methodology—with the aim of developing identity and self-reliance in children and young adults". Di Rito said, "Get that right, and the foundations are set for life. To be fully human, to recognise the humanity in others and to be critically conscious is the framework upon which to develop the academic competencies."
She explained, "As young teachers, we were inspired by thinkers and practitioners like [Steve] Biko, [Paulo] Freire, [Jean] Lave and [Frantz] Fanon. Our contention, as teachers, has been that education and learning should actively embrace diversity, foster curiosity and unleash creativity. Instead of driving compliance and instilling a culture of standardisation, we should be awakening purpose and passion in our learners."
Di Rito said, "Twenty years ago, we recognised that South African education should have a critical responsibility in humanising a generation born of the ashes of a tortured past and a deeply wounded, often dehumanised society."
She concluded, "Sadly, in many ways, our education system has failed to recognise that education is not a mechanical, industrial process.
"Meaningful education is a fundamentally human system. It's a system that creates an environment where curiosity and creativity can flourish; an environment that recognises the value of passionate, purpose-aligned teaching professionals, who can create a climate of possibility."


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Applications for membership are welcome from residents of West Wittering who are interested in sailing. We are particularly keen to attract local families with younger children who would like to take up this lifelong activity.
If you are interested in joining please email the Membership Secretary. You can download an application form here which explains the process and contains full details of the different membership types, subscription rates, etc.
Last updated 16:41 on 29 January 2020

subset: commoncrawl


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When my girlfriend Dini and I arrived at Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, our experience started in quite an uncommon way, namely with a modeling session. As we were about to enter the visitor centre, photographer John Paul stopped us and asked if we would mind serving as extras (more…)
Not long ago, Speyside giants Glenfiddich revealed part three of their Experimental Series called Winter Storm. While I have not yet had the pleasure of trying this 21-year-old Scotch whisky finished in Canadian ice wine casks, I am lucky to call a bottle of its predecessor my own. (more…)
New Limited Editions by Jura, Kilchoman and Glenfiddich (News)
Recently, three popular Scotch whisky brands announced new limited editions, namely Jura, Kilchoman and Glenfiddich. While the first two have already revealed concrete details about their imminent special bottlings, the latter still leave us in the dark (more…)
Glenfiddich and Überquell Tasting at Christiansen's (Event)
The story of Glenfiddich is a story of maverickness. Ever since the first drops of spirit dribbled out of the new-found distillery's pot stills in 1887, the family-owned company has been striving to do things a little different. In 1963 they jumped into a blue ocean (more…)


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GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART THE MUSICAL World Premiere
This September, the Brookside Theatre are proud to present the world premiere of GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART THE MUSICAL, a brand new musical comedy based on the award-winning BBC TV series.
Running for six hugely successful seasons between 1993 and 1999 and starring Nicholas Lyndhurst, the show became an instant classic when it was first broadcast. With its incomparable mix of comedy and drama, it became a firm favourite gaining fans worldwide.
Meet Gary Sparrow, an ordinary man with an extraordinary life; almost a devoted and attentive husband and a sometimes loyal and dependable best friend. By day, a very bored and uninspired TV repairman but by night, an accidental time traveller extraordinaire.
Whilst walking around the East End of London, Gary stumbles across a strange alley, Duckett's Passage, and is transported back in time to a foggy, war torn London, to barrage balloons and the Blitz and in particular to a little pub called The Royal Oak and a pretty barmaid called Phoebe…
Leading an extraordinary 'double life', Gary is unprepared for the complications in his love life when he falls for Phoebe in the 1940's whilst being married to Yvonne in the present day. But when the time comes to choose, which way will he go?
Featuring hits from the 1980's and 1940's including With A Little Help From My Friends, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Addicted to Love, If I Could Turn Back Time, Let's Hear It For The Boy, In The Mood and many, many more this is a sensational new musical comedy from the genius writers that gave us The New Statesmen, Shine of Harvey Moon and Birds of a Feather and the hit musical, Dreamcoats and Petticoats.
GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART THE MUSICAL will be performed at the Brookside Theatre, Eastern Road from Wed 12th until Saturday 22nd September 2018. Tickets are on sale now online from the theatre's website, www.brooksidetheatre.com or telephone 01708 755775.


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How to Install Canon Printer Driver on Windows 10/8/7
Let's see How to Install Canon Printer Driver in Windows OS
Printers play an important part in our day to day life. It's form the essential part of our modern life style. Its role in offices or home places can't be ignoring as almost everyone needs printing at sometime in life. There is only few printer making company's in the world which makes world class printer, one of them is "Canon".
Mentioned below are the easily steps for Canon Printer Installation!
- Firstly, click on the option of Start and then "Device and Printers" after which the printer page appears.
- Then at the top you will find add printer option and then click on this option.
- After this you get printer setup wizard option and will give an option of "how you want to install the printer" with the help of USB cable or wired or wireless.
- In case of USB you can install printer with LPT port.
- Select the port and click on the "Next" option.
- On the next screen choose the right driver for the printer.
- Lastly, the printer is installed properly.
Now once the above steps are performed then the question of how do i install Canon printer driver in Windows 7/8/10 is answered as the above steps are simple and easy to understand for the users. It is very easy for anyone to install the printer because few steps and all done for the installation of it.
With the mentioned steps one can easily download and install Canon printer driver on Windows 10, 8, 7 and after which using the canon printer will be easy and smooth for the user. Also, the above steps can be used to install any kind of printer and then with these steps it will be installed and these steps can be used in laptops and computers as well. Lastly, it not stated anywhere that with one system only one printer can be attached so just by using the option of 'add printer' one can simply add as many printer as required but the only thing needs to be done after this just connect that printer which will be currently used.


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Loop 202 reopens at 40th Street after serious crash
All lanes on westbound Loop 202 at 40th Street in Phoenix were reopened Tuesday evening after a serious crash, officials said.
The multicar pileup completely blocked all lanes at about 6:30 p.m., the Arizona Department of Transportation tweeted.
The left lane was opened shortly after, allowing motorists to pass, ADOT said.
All lanes were opened around 7:50 p.m., ADOT said in a tweet.
Read or Share this story: https://azc.cc/2x6BAP6


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This post was last updated on
Badger Cull full data figures to 2017.
The data contained in this file is much more than can be seen below.
It is therefore recommended that you click the Excel or CSV icon to save a copy of this data in the requested format so that you can filter the data however you choose.
The data is taken from the official Government figures that are issued each year.
To see summary data only, click here.
2018 data will be added in due course.


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Welcome to the newest edition of the Social Media Weekly Update. This week's post covers everything from Facebook ads to storytelling to how to correctly use header tags for better SEO results. I'm sure you'll enjoy all of these posts.
7 Research-Backed Notes on How Brands Can Build Trust on Social Media by Elaine Fogel: "When was the last time your business reviewed its social media marketing strategy and tactics? If you answered "not recently," or worse "never," you may well be wasting valuable resources on a totally ineffective approach. Social media marketing changes so rapidly, and what you've been doing may not be what you should be doing now."
How Successful Marketers Combine Content and Email Marketing from Convince & Convert: "It is hard, if not impossible, for a marketer to finish their first cup of coffee in the morning before they either send out an email campaign or work on a content piece."
New Research Uncovers Big Shifts in Customer Expectations and Trust from Salesforce Blog: "Customers today are energized by tech innovations — but also plagued by deepening distrust of the companies that provide them. They have high expectations about what makes a great customer experience, and not a lot of patience for companies that fail to deliver."
How to Use Storytelling to Boost Your Digital Marketing Efforts [Infographic] by AJ Ghergich: "You need to grab your audience's attention quickly, and convince them to interact with your brand. And one powerful way to do that is by telling a story."
20 Mistakes That Could Ruin The Best Facebook Ads by Louise Myers: "Wouldn't you love to run the best Facebook ads for your business? Then don't make these Facebook ad mistakes! Failure is a terrifying word. It's an especially big monster in the closet for Facebook advertisers. As Facebook begins to crack down on platform misuse, there are more rules and guidelines to follow now than ever before."
How to Use Header Tags: SEO Best Practices by Search Engine Journal: "Like many SEO meat-and-potatoes tactics, there's no denying that header tags aren't as critically important for your site rankings as they used to be. However, there's no denying that these tags still serve an important function – for your users and your SEO. They can indirectly influence your rankings by making your content easier and more enjoyable for visitors to read, and by providing keyword-rich context about your content for the search engines. If you want to call yourself an SEO with a straight face, you can't afford not to optimize your header tags. Here are seven header tag best practices for SEO."
Q4 Content Calendar: Important Dates and Campaign Ideas for Small Businesses from The Buffer Blog: "The last quarter of the year is always a busy one for marketers. Between October and the end of December, we have the holiday season, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and more. Each of these dates provides an opportunity for your business to connect with your audience and target customers. And though it might seem like there's too much to keep on top of, with a bit of advance planning, it's possible to ensure you don't miss a beat in Q4. To help, we've put together this Q4 content calendar to break down some of the key dates and events from October 1st to December 31st, giving you important data and a few marketing ideas for each."
Frances Caballo is an online marketing consultant and the author of six books on social media. Click here to schedule an appointment with her. Writing a book can serve as the best possible business card you can possibly have and establish your authority in your field. Once you publish your book, learn to market it by visiting my other website, SocialMediaJustforWriters.com.