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Media Works

The right to adult education

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:47

The South African Constitution prioritises adult education as part of everyone’s right to basic education. Fifteen years later, it is a right which has not been fully realised.

Adult education specialists, Media Works, contends that Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) should be a national priority.

“Despite the number of adult learners who have successfully received ABET training since 1994, we have just scratched the surface in addressing the national education and training needs of our labour force,” points out Media Works’ Managing Director, Jackie Carroll.

Whilst legislation and government policy establish the required foundation for the provision of ABET, the number of illiterate and semi-literate workers currently in the labour force require ongoing intensive interventions.

Feedback on the benefits of the training from the more than 100 000 active learners trained by the company has in recent years included ‘soft skills’. Higher levels of self-esteem, dignity and a better understanding of personal finances are some of the more popular life skills learners have identified.

“In our dealings with both the corporate and public sector we have observed the changing profile of ABET learners.

ABET learners are now not only limited to illiterate and semi-literate but also include learners who want to improve their English literacy and numeracy, and increasingly those who benefit from the life skills the training offers,” explains Carroll.

She urged business and the public sector to ensure ABET formed part of all skills development plans. “The harsh reality is a number of our clients have had to face, when introducing training and skills development programmes, is the number of employees who require ABET in order to be able to access these programmes.”

Founded in 1996, Media Works is an established and accredited training solutions provider, that specialises in developing and providing N.Q.F (National Qualifications Framework) aligned training for both Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) and Learnerships.