A training body has identified adult basic education as one of its priorities for social and economic upliftment
Mail & Guardian Reporter
The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Merseta) celebrated literacy and adult learner week by handing certificates to 41 adult learners who passed the Independent Examination Board’s National Examinations held in June in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
Twenty-nine learners received their Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet) certificates in Gauteng this week. Twelve more will receive their certificates in Port Elizabeth.
Merseta has identified adult basic education as one of its priorities, and sees the programme as the basis for the successful realisation of the social and economic uplift of the South African society.
However, Merseta has identified four key areas of activity that require improvement. These are:
l A review of current Abet training provision in line with the changing nature of employment across the manufacturing and engineering sector. New training programmes should focus on empowering retrenched workers and the unemployed.
l A review of the quality and effectiveness of Abet in the manufacturing and engineering sector in the light of established good practices elsewhere.
l Design new approaches to Abet delivery.
l Target 70% of workers having an Abet Level 4 certificate by 2005 for increased empowerment.
Merseta has also identified weaknesses in the delivery of current Abet programmes in the sector, both in terms of quality and access. This has led Merseta to develop a proposal already submitted to the Department of Labour, for consideration.
Mokiti Letsoalo, an Abet specialist, sounded upbeat about the achievements of Merseta. “I would like to thank and encourage employers that have participated in the project for their continued support to learners.
“Understanding the challenges that face employers on a daily basis, we appreciate your endeavours for contributing to skills development.
“To learners we say the sacrifices, sweat and tears you have shed, will always be a rewarding moment for you.”
ENDS