Tshepho 1 Million is giving hope to young unemployed people in Gauteng by providing them with a way to access skills and learning opportunities to prepare for the world of work. Whilst only young people in Gauteng can sign up for the Tshepo 1 Million job placement programme, youth from anywhere in South Africa can access online training through thintimillion.co.za 

#thintimillion is a cloud-based learner management system which Microsoft has made available to scale access to key digital skills training modules. Young people who have never used a computer will be trained on Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and will be able to complete online tests and assessments. Young job seekers can access the training materials at libraries and training sites throughout Gauteng or they can complete the modules on their phones. 

The Thinti’Million Digital Literacy – Productivity Programme launch event took place at the Sebokeng Library on 4 April 2018. At the event Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi stressed that “youth need a hand up; not a hand out”. Young people in attendance were already hard at work navigating through the modules and taking the online quizzes with many saying that they would be back to continue the course.

Teachers can encourage learners to complete the online courses so that they develop basic digital skills whilst still at school – ensuring that they are better prepared for tertiary studies or the workplace. As Microsoft SA says: “It is critical that we enable all citizens to effectively participate by building the necessary digital skills and bridging the divide. #thintimillion @Tshepo1Million“