Skills and training is a crucial process for facilitating social change. Digital and innovation capacities are valuable skills in development and innovation. Knowing how to use computers and information technologies can help to access life opportunities, such as employment, business, storytelling and education.

Our capacity-building activities facilitate access to the skills, confidence and motivation to use computers and technologies. Training courses are deeply contextualised for the Makhanda,  CE and enterprise community and are designed to be used in the real world in ways that are meaningful and relevant to the user. 

• Start from the very beginning of learning to use a computer
• Refine your digital skills and learn new tools to improve efficiency
• Learn about social innovation and developing projects to address them
• Learn the basics of digital media and how to use it for marketing

 

Computer Skills Training

This is an entry level course for participants who have very little or no prior experience using computers. The course covers 10 topics, including using a mouse, accessing the internet and using Microsoft Office products. The course requires a minimum of 3 hours a week committment.

Participation requires a deposit of R1500 which is refundable if 80 percent of the sessions are attended. 

Modules covered

• Using a mouse
• Using a keyboard
• Windows 10 and 11 interface
• File Management
• Internet access and emails
• Microsoft Word 
• Microsoft Office

 

Duration: 1hr30 minute sessions, twice a week.

Target Group: Anyone based in Makhanda - youth, unemployed residents, business owners, NGO practioners and anyone else who does not feel comfortable using a computer and who can attend weekly sessions. 

How to join: Anyone interested in this course can WhatsApp 076 280 1499 with the following information: "CST Course" Name, Surname, and a Reason for Interest. 

 

Digital Skills for Professionals

Working in a office environment or in a space that involves computers requires some basic skills. These skills improve efficiency and give you the foundation you need to innovate and create!

Modules covered:

• Troubleshooting
• Hardware and Software
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft Teams
• Project Management Tools
• Design
• Privacy and Security
• Generative AI

 

Duration: 1hr30 minute sessions, once a week.

Target Group: Anyone based in Makhanda who can already use a computer comfortably but only performs basic functions - youth, residents, business owners, NGO practioners and anyone else who can attend weekly sessions. 

How to join: Anyone interested in this course can email t.matyobeni@ru.ac.za

 

Community Assets for Social Innovation Course

Organisations and social enterprises and any person interested in engaged citizenry is invited to participate in a Social Innovation Hub Workshop on skills that can help your project flourish! We’ll cover habits that help to cope with stress, using online tools for admin and recording finances.

CASI is designed to encourage using community assets to develop financially sustainable projects aimed at facilitating development and social change. The course addresses relational wellbeing, as well as technical concepts like social innovation, complex problems, project development, and business-related administration.

Modules covered:

• Personal Development
• Design Thinking
• Asset-based Development
• Organisational Planning
• Digital Workspaces

 

Duration: 1hr30 minute sessions, twice a week.

Target Group: Small business owners, social innovators, changemakers, youth, unemployed residents - anyone interested in developing a community-oriented project and does not know where to start!

How to join: Submit here.

 

Digital Professional Skills OR Computer Skills Train the Trainer

This course is designed for trainers who will work with a group of computer skills participants. The course involves a theoretical component covering Communty Engagement principles and tutoring skills. The practical component involves implementing tutoring sessions. 

Modules covered:

• Community-engaged learning 
• Basic or Professional computer skills
• Lesson planning
• Assessment design
• Curriculum design

 

Duration: Remote with one 2 hour introductory session. Course duration is three months, which includes the implementation of a programme.

Target Group: Trainers - small businesses or NPOs or Sports Club and Societies

How to join: Submit here.

 

Digital Marketing

This course is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to understand consumer behavior online, create effective marketing strategies, and leverage platforms such as social media, search engines, email, and more. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this course will guide you step-by-step through the core concepts and latest trends in the digital marketing landscape.

Modules covered:

• Marketing Strategies
• Content Strategies
• Email Marketing
• SEO and Google
• Cinematography
• Design
• Social Media
• Monitoring and Evaluation (Analytics and Insights)

 

Duration: 2 hour weekly sessions for 3 months

Target Group: Trainers - small businesses or NPOs or Sports Club and Societies

How to join: Email t.matyobeni@ru.ac.za

Last Modified: Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:07:12 SAST