The Gauteng Education Department MEC Matome Chiloane is walking the talk as department ensures, no learners are left behind when it comes to the exposure to top tier skills.
The department hosted of the first Multi-Certification Skills Programme (MCSP) mini-festival on Saturday at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg.
The department said the MCSP is a learner-focused initiative designed to equip every learner in Gauteng with critical and practical skills throughout their schooling journey.
The department said beyond earning a National Senior Certificate, learners will accumulate a minimum of one accredited skill per academic year from Grade R to Grade 12, resulting in a number of skills certifications by the time they complete their basic education.
It also said this programme assists in enhancing creativity, innovation, problem solving, confidence boosting, analytical reasoning, global citizens, leadership, teamwork, technology skills and digital literacy in learners.
The department said learners are guaranteed accreditation in a diverse range of skills across three key baskets and as such, on Saturday they were showcasing the 4IR Skills Basket which includes skills that prepare learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), ensuring they are well-versed in the technologies shaping the future.
The skills under the 4IR basket include: Coding Robotics, Microsoft Digital Literacy, Artificial Intelligence, Drone Technology and Basic CAD Competency.
The mini-festival focused on the 4IR skills basket under the theme “Extend Your Reality”, celebrating the advancements made in areas such as coding, robotics, AI, and digital literacy.
Learners from different schools attended the festival and mesmerised the audience with exciting presentations, showcasing their projects.
The department announced that the next mini-festivals will focus on the general skills basket and technical skills basket, showcasing the specific skills and competencies learners have acquired during their regular curriculum.
Chiloane emphasised the significance of the MCSP in preparing learners for a future driven by technology and innovation.
“This programme is a transformative initiative that empowers our learners with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the modern world. Today’s festival is a reflection of the innovative education we are committed to providing in Gauteng,” said Chiloane.
“Our Multi-Certification Programme equips learners from Grade R to 12 with 13 skills-based certificates, alongside their National Senior Certificate by graduation, they’ll have the knowledge and real-world skills to succeed in a changing world. We’re building future leaders, one skill at a time.”
The Star