The Internet is changing the way we work, socialize, create, and share information, and organize the flow of people, ideas, and things around the globe. Yet the magnitude of this transformation is still under-appreciated. The Internet has accounted for 21 percent of the GDP growth in mature economies over the past 5 years. And yet, in SA, we are still in the early stages of appreciating the transformations the Internet will unleash and the opportunities it will foster. Many more technological innovations and enabling capabilities such as payments platforms are likely to emerge, while the ability to connect many more people and organizations, and engage them more deeply will continue to expand exponentially. The real beneficiaries of the Internet’s growth are people. In order to access Internet effectively, citizens need to be up-skilled in Digital Literacy. Digital literacy has become a worldwide concern for future economic growth.

ICT Training at Ravensmead Library

Many people believe libraries to be a thing of the past due to the digital revolution and the rise of a gadget society.  The role of libraries as community centers are often undervalued leading to shrinking budgets and sometimes even closure. The implementation of ICT in libraries can provide diverse avenues to revitalize footprints to libraries. Therefore the I-CAN Centre piloted an ICT training for women during the month of August 2018 at Ravensmead Library. See Impact Video – Click Here

Design Thinking - The Training Room Online

The I-CAN Centre was a Service Provider to the IC4 Incubation Project (mentioned above). The focus of the training was to stimulate creativity and innovation through a “Design Thinking” workshop. Design Thinking is a user-centered method to solve real-world problems. It’s an approach that uses creative thinking, teamwork, empathy, concept creation, prototyping and testing, a process to solve problems that focuses on understanding the people involved, the unique circumstances tied to the problem and coming up with creative, innovative and testable solutions. Twenty students were empowered with “Design Thinking” knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare them to start their own business.

Teacher Training (Montana Primary School)

Empowering Primary School Teachers about Cyber Safety. The importance is embedded in Teachers understanding the importance and risks of technology. Also, being a leader, teaching young children how to use technology to their advantage and to be aware of cyber bullying.

Microsoft Office Specialist Training- 2017

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is an international certification (Word / Excel / PowerPoint / Outlook) offered by Certiport. These certifications are equivalent to SAQA credits based on the MOU between Microsoft and MICT SETA.  These certifications allow I-CAN students to become international in their pathway of learning through Microsoft. Denver Julies became the 1st MOS Master at the I-CAN Centre after completing his core and expert Microsoft exams. The project took place from Oct-Nov 2017. Click here to see Facebook Album.

Africa Code Week in partnership with UWC

Over the past two years, the initiative has empowered over 1 Million youth across 35 countries to either write their first lines of code or simply touch a computer for the first time. UWC in partnership with the I-CAN Centre offered a one-day coding course. Children between the age of 10-16 participated in the program. Thanks to UWC for their contribution in empowering the next generation with digital skills. Click here to see Facebook Album.

IT Digital Job-Readiness Project

In our reflection within the IT industry and training institutions, there exist a gap where IT students are unable to function within an IT environment. The gap stems from a lack of practical skills before entering the job-market. G-CITI in partnership with African Ideas piloted a unique project in addressing the above-mentioned gap through a “IT Practical Skills Employment Project”. The project focused on both soft and technical skill to narrow the gap of readiness within the IT environment. Students were placed in a simulated office environment and had to troubleshoot hardware devices such as computers, printers and routers to ensure effective workflow through technology. A total of 96 students from College of Cape Town were empowered from Sept – Nov 2017.

Sanzaf Sponsorship for Students

Thank you to Sanzaf to who funded 8 students for the various IT semester courses.  SANZAF is a faith-based, socio-welfare and educational organisation that strives to facilitate the empowerment of needy families through the efficient collection and effective distribution of Zakáh and other Sadaqát in a proactive and cost effective way through projects. G-CITI in partnership with Sanzaf has made it possible to provide disadvantaged youth an opportunity to enroll for skills programmes.

Computer Basics For Kids

Our children will, as adults, experience new tech heights beyond the limits of our imagination. So should we let the inevitable take hold now? Or do we restrict, restrain and reject the tentacles of technology? The I-CAN Centre, based on its research, has crafted a course where younger children (aged between 7 and 14 years) can learn more about computers, its software applications and the advantages and disadvantages which can be a positive or negative contribution to oneself and society. See Facebook Album

Robotics taking over!

Robots can capture a child’s imagination like no other tool by creating a fun, physical learning process. With robots, kids learn programming via interactive play by moving a robot in various sequences and using intuitive, visual programming on a computer screen. Not only for children, the I-CAN Centre offered “Robotics” for youth (primary and high school) to develop specific digital skills that will be a necessity in the future.

Digify Bytes Workshop

The I-CAN Centre in partnership with Digital Foundation offered a one day course in online marketing. This aimed to empower people with a complete understanding of how to use the internet and become digitally savvy! This international project- http://digifyafrica.com/home/digifyafrica/  is taking place all over the African Continent. See Facebook Album

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I-CAN and College of Cape Town Graduation

The I-CAN Centre in partnership with College of Cape Town empowered 40 students in various courses from 1st September – 15th November. These courses ranged from IT Essentials, Essential Business Skills and 3D Printing. All courses were funded by Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) in supporting local communities with digital skills. Students from various areas such Elsies River, Ravensmead, Belhar, Gugulethu, Manenberg, Hanover Park, Parow, Uitzig, Bellville South, Eerstriver and Khayelitsha benefited from these opportunities. Part of the partnership with College of Cape Town these students will have opportunity for placements in 2017. See Facebook Album

Free Internet from Sonic Wireless

Sonic Wireless has partnered with the I-CAN Centre to provide free internet for the proof of concept (I-CAN Centre). The free internet to the community is 300 MB WIFI Data per month and 45 minute internet access per day. This revolutionary approach has afforded more than 1400 I-CAN Users internet access.

Broadband is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Affordable broadband is a building block for healthy communities. In the 21st century, broadband Internet access has emerged as more than just an information superhighway — it has become critical infrastructure to connect citizens, businesses, and communities alike to new opportunities. Yet for too many communities, the promise of fast, affordable, and reliable Internet access remains unrealized.

Expanding high quality Internet access in a community, whether large or small, can yield a multitude of benefits for residents — from improved health services, to new opportunities for small businesses, to higher property values, to a stronger local economy. This enables citizens to access emails, communicate through social media and researching possible job opportunities. Citizens are also trained how to sign up for WIFI and use it effectively.

We have more than 540 citizens signed up for WIFI access. As the number are growing daily, the awareness of digital access has become a reality to many. We aim to empower more citizens with access to broadband usage of digital skills.