Youth Digital ICT Skills Training, Job Readiness & Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme, KWT
From Learning to Employment, From Ideas to Enterprise.
Excel Gene Academy proudly presents LTE 20 — the Youth Digital ICT Skills Training, Job Readiness and Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme — a focused, high-impact 12-week (90-day) initiative designed to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunity for 20 unemployed young people in King William's Town and its surrounding communities.
In today's economy, digital skills are no longer optional — they are essential for education, employment and entrepreneurship. Yet thousands of young people across the Buffalo City Metro area remain excluded from the digital economy due to a lack of access, training and exposure.
LTE 20 addresses this gap by providing direct access to digital tools and connectivity at the Excel Gene Academy campus. Lack of Digital Education Basic computer operation (typing, using software), Navigating the internet, using email and online communication tools, Understanding digital safety and responsibility
Excel Gene Academy's programme focuses on practical, hands-on training; ensuring participants not only learn but confidently apply digital skills in real-life situations.
High Unemployment Due to Skills Gaps
Unemployment among youth in the Eastern Cape is driven largely by a mismatch between available jobs and available skills. LTE 20 directly addresses employability by equipping participants with job-ready ICT skills, teaching online job search and application processes, and building the confidence needed to operate in modern workplaces. Current Eastern Cape unemployment reached 47.5% according to Statistics South Africa's Q2 2026 Quarterly Labour Force Survey.
Image: Grade 12 Matric Rewrite Basic Computer Literacy Skills March 2026
TRAINING DELIVERY MODEL
From Learning to Employment, From Ideas to Enterprise.
On-Site Training at the Academy
LTE 20 will be delivered at the Excel Gene Academy campus in King William's Town, providing:
- Access to computers, internet and learning tools many participants do not have at home
- A safe, supportive learning environment where participants can focus, practice and grow
- Direct interaction with trained facilitators who guide learners step-by-step
- A structured curriculum that builds skills progressively from basic to advanced
In south Africa today technology drives education, employment, communication and economic growth. Digital literacy is no longer a luxury — it is a fundamental skill required to function effectively in society. Despite this, a significant portion of the population in King William's Town, Zwelitsha, Ginsberg, Dimbaza and Breidbach remains digitally excluded.
All LTE 20 training is delivered at the Excel Gene Academy campus in King William's Town, providing a structured learning environment with access to computers, internet and qualified facilitators. Participants benefit from face-to-face guidance, peer interaction and hands-on learning.
- Conducted at the Excel Gene Academy campus
- Structured classroom environment
- Access to equipment and trained facilitators
Community Reach
Recruitment and outreach for LTE 20 extend into Zwelitsha, Ginsberg, Dimbaza and Breidbach, ensuring young people from these communities are made aware of, and supported to attend, training at the King William's Town campus.
Program Objectives
By the end of the 12-week programme, participants will:
- Gain basic computer literacy skills
- Use digital tools for learning and work
- Understand online communication and digital etiquette
- Develop job readiness ICT skills, including CV writing and online job applications
- Explore coding fundamentals and digital entrepreneurship and ecommerce opportunities
- Build confidence in using technology independently
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for learning, work and innovative opportunities
Basic Computer Literacy
Participants are introduced to computer hardware and software, learn to switch devices on and off, create and manage files, and use essential programs such as word processors.
Digital Tools for Learning and Work
Learners are trained on email, online research tools and productivity applications, enabling both academic success and workplace readiness.
Online Communication
Participants learn to communicate effectively and responsibly online, including writing emails, joining virtual meetings, and protecting personal information from cyber threats.
Job Readiness ICT Skills
The programme equips participants with practical job-market skills: creating CVs, applying for jobs online, preparing for virtual interviews and using job search platforms.
Coding & Digital Entrepreneurship
Participants are introduced to basic coding (HTML, JAVASCRIPT, CSS, VISCODE ) concepts and to digital entrepreneurship — starting online businesses, marketing on social media, and leveraging e-commerce opportunities.
Confidence in Using Technology
Through hands-on practice and continuous support, participants overcome fear and uncertainty around technology, becoming confident, independent digital users.
PROGRAMME FOCUS AREAS
Basic Computer Literacy
Covers fundamental skills such as operating computers, typing, file management, and using basic software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Desktop Publishing.
Digital Skills & Online Tools
Focuses on practical tools such as e-commerce, email, Google Workspace and internet browsing, helping participants access information, collaborate online and improve productivity.
Coding, Website & Mobile App Development
Introduces learners to logical thinking and beginner-friendly programming concepts, sparking interest in technology careers and innovation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Participants gain practical, hands-on exposure to using Artificial Intelligence responsibly and effectively — understanding how AI can enhance education, employment, entrepreneurship, customer service and business operations.
Job Readiness & ICT Skills
Training in CV writing, online job applications, LinkedIn usage and digital communication, preparing participants for modern workplaces.
Digital Entrepreneurship
Equips participants to start and manage online businesses, use social media for marketing, and explore digital income streams.
TARGET BENEFICIARIES
Ex-Grade 12 Learners
Many matriculants struggle to transition into employment or higher education due to a lack of digital skills. LTE 20 provides practical ICT competencies that improve their career prospects.
School Dropouts
For individuals who did not complete formal schooling, digital literacy offers an alternative pathway to skills development, employability and self-improvement.
Unemployed Youth & Adults
LTE 20 equips unemployed participants with relevant digital skills that increase their chances of securing employment or starting a small business.
Rural Communities in the Eastern Cape
Participants from rural areas surrounding King William's Town — including Zwelitsha, Ginsberg, Dimbaza and Breidbach — often lack access to digital infrastructure. LTE 20 ensures they receive equal opportunity to develop digital competencies at the Excel Gene Academy campus.
Financially Disadvantaged Individuals
By offering LTE 20 free of charge to selected beneficiaries, Excel Gene Academy removes financial barriers, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to learning opportunities.
BENEFITS TO SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Why Partner with Excel Gene Academy?
By supporting LTE 20, your organization becomes a catalyst for lasting transformation — bridging the digital divide, unlocking economic opportunity, and creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for those who need them most.
Benefits to Corporate Sponsors
- Demonstrate meaningful commitment to CSI and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities
- Support national skills development, youth empowerment and digital transformation initiatives
- Contribute directly to reducing unemployment and promoting inclusive economic participation
- Enhance your organisation's reputation as a socially responsible corporate citizen
- Strengthen relationships with communities, government stakeholders and development partners
- Receive comprehensive Programme, financial and impact reports, participant success stories and visual documentation
- Showcase measurable social impact through graduation ceremonies, media coverage and community engagement
- Align with UN Sustainable Development Goals — Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, and Partnerships for the Goals
- Build a future talent pipeline of digitally skilled individuals for South Africa's workforce
Benefits to Beneficiaries
Every sponsored learner will receive:
- A fully funded 12-week (90-day) ICT Skills Training Programme
- Practical, hands-on digital skills training delivered by qualified facilitators
- Daily lunch and tea refreshments during training
- Transportation support to improve attendance and reduce financial barriers
- Training manuals, software resources, flash drives, learning materials and practical tools
- Career guidance, job readiness training and digital entrepreneurship exposure
- A recognised certificate upon successful completion
- Increased confidence, employability and opportunities for further education, employment or self-employment
Benefits to Communities
The impact of LTE 20 extends well beyond the classroom. Every trained participant becomes a source of knowledge, inspiration and positive change within their family and community across King William's Town, Zwelitsha, Ginsberg, Dimbaza and Breidbach.
- Increased digital literacy and access to technology
- Reduced barriers to employment and education
- Greater participation in the digital economy
- Empowered youth equipped to contribute to local development
- Enhanced entrepreneurial activity and small business growth
- Stronger, more resilient communities capable of embracing technological change
- Reduced social inequality through equitable access to digital opportunities