- The Gogos with Vuma initiative celebrated 36 new graduates last month.
- A session in Pretoria helped grandmothers learn essential and advanced digital skills.
- To date, 178 graduates have passed through the programme headed by Vuma and goGOGOgo.
On Valentine’s Day last month, 38 grandmothers arrived at the Radineo Primary School in Mabopane, Pretoria. The grandmothers were at the school to participate in the Gogos with Vuma programme.
The programme is a collaboration with goGOGOgo and Vuma aimed at bridging the digital divide for older South Africans. This is done through a training programme that equips the elders with digital skills. This includes showing the grandmas how to save contacts on their smartphones, set up an email account, using that email account and browsing the internet. Furthermore, the training also imparted advanced skills on the attendees such as accessing government services and using ehailing services.
“Gogos are the backbone of so many families, providing love, care, and support to their grandchildren. In today’s digital world, we cannot allow them to be left behind. This programme isn’t just about teaching digital skills; it’s about empowerment, connection, and ensuring these incredible women can support their families in new and meaningful ways. It also gives them the ability to help their grandchildren when it comes to online learning,” explains executive director and founder of goGOGOgo, Jane Simmonds.
Of the 38 grandmothers who participated in the training session, 36 graduated and received both a certificate and a tablet so that they can use the knowledge they’ve acquired regularly.
“I live with my children and grandchildren, and they all know how to use the internet. Now, I can connect with them and my friends without help. It makes me feel independent and capable. I was nervous at first, but now it’s a piece of cake,” said Glory Khoza, one of the graduates.
To date the Gogos with Vuma programme has produced 178 graduates from Eersteriver in the Western Cape, Seshego in Limpopo, KwaMashu in KZN, Motherwell in the Eastern Cape, to Soweto, Atteridgeville, Alexandra and now Mabopane in Gauteng.
“Seeing the gogos embrace technology and gain confidence in using digital tools is truly inspiring. We’re just glad to be able to open doors to new opportunities for these women. We love that we are also keeping families connected and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age,” says Taylor Kwong, head of marketing at Vuma.
With the world, especially the digital world, changing quickly, it’s great to see initiatives such as this focused on helping older generations leap across the digital divide.
[Image – File]
