|
|
Adult Basic Education Training - ABET
The standard for the Education for the Deaf in SA has been generally on a very poor level. About 60% of unemployed Deaf can not read and write on a competent level to enable them to further their studies. This factor is limiting them to follow a lucrative career path, or to develop their general job skills.
eDeaf provides ABET training by Deaf trainers. Ms Nazereen Captieux-Bhana and Ms Kabelo Moloi are qualified as ABET facilitators or trainers of the Deaf learners. In additional staff to assist them are Ms Pauline Lekalakala and Ms Rosina Moeti. The training is provided at the eDeaf office in Braamfontein from 1pm to 3.30pm on Tuesdays.
At the moment the Deaf learners include the Deaf cleaners who are already in the jobs facilitated by eDeaf. Their managers give them the opportunity to attend the ABET classes. Other companies which are hosting ABET learners are AFHCO building, Boogertman and Partners architects and Morgan Corgo. The learners receive training on a PC by viewing the Deaf presenter on a programme called Media Works. They also receive study materials titled Communication in English, which provide activity exercises in the workbooks.. These lessons include level 1 to 4 Communication in English and Numeracy Literacy.
The Deaf learners are very excited and enjoy their ABET learning experience. They are eager to learn to read and write in English. This enables them to communicate with their colleagues, employers and supervisors at the workplace.
Information Technology Training
Ten Deaf trainees received Microsoft Certified Application Specialist certificates on 3 December 2008 in Information Computing and Technology (ICT). Two eDeaf members Ms Kabelo Moloi and Ms Nandipha Jongizulu were part of this training. These new IT skilled trainees are ready to be start careers as IT specialists or data capturers. eDeaf is now equipped to provide basic IT training on Digital Literacy Curriculum to any interested Deaf people by these facilitators are Ms Kabelo Moloi, Ms Nandipha Jongizulu and Ms Rosina Moeti. eDeaf have 15 desktop PC’’s available and eDeaf has registered a Test Centre for exam access to abled or disabled learners. Contact Jesse Kotze.
Deaf Sensitization Workshop
eDeaf is proud to introduce a value added service; Deaf Cultural sensitivity training was introduced in April 2008. The Deaf Cultural sensitivity training is aimed at Deaf workers, their co-staff members, supervisors and management. The benefits of the interactive workshop are that all participants learn about Deaf culture, Sign Language, Deaf history in South Africa and over the world. This course enhances communication in the work environment and provides understanding between staff members in a professional work environment.
Ms Nazereen Captieux-Bhana and Ms Kabelo Moloi, Deaf facilitators, are accompanied by a Sign language interpreter and they ensure active participation and constructive guidance in bridging the communication gap between all participants. It is an enriching experience which focuses on the following aspects:
- What is South African Sign Language?
- The do’s and don’ts in the Deaf culture
- How to communicate in work environment using Sign Language
- The role of a Sign Language interpreter
- Using finger spelling appropriately
Various work shops have been conducted with great success. The workshops for groups of up to 25 participants are structured in a three hour session. All questions and concerns are discussed and active role play ensures that all participants are empowered with the knowledge and skills to start communicating. The cost per session is R6 000 to the company.
Feedback from participants;
- We understand the Deaf persons view points and culture
- I love to learn more about this beautiful language and culture
- Fantastic! The history and language opens a lot of questions I wondered about
- Deaf people have a language and are proud of their culture
- I now have the confidence and tools to communicate
- I should’ve learned Sign Language to communicate better with the Deaf people.
- I now understand that the Deaf and hearing people are the same except for hearing
- Wow! That hit me hard to understand that the Deaf have their skills, talents just like hearing people.
- Thank you so much for the opportunity to understand Deaf and their Sign Language.
- We are looking forward to work with Deaf staff and learn SL from them.
- I would love to go to SL courses and get a better in SL.
The following companies attended the workshop:
Life Diamond Industry: 53 staff which included Deaf (2 groups)
SABC 160 staff including Deaf (8 groups)
Lyle and Tate 25 staff (1group)
AFHCO 20 staff included Deaf (1 group)
African Cleaning Corporation: 15 staff (1 group)
Checkers 90 staff (6 groups)
City Office 10 staff, included Deaf (1 group)
Isikhonyane Cleaning services: 100 staff including Deaf (5 groups)
Prism Card-Net1 Applied Technologies SA: 45 staff, including Deaf (3 groups)
ADVANTAGES FOR BUSINESSES/EMPLOYERS
- BEE Scorecard benefits:
- Employment Equity legislation stipulates that in medium to large enterprises, the staff compliment must include 5% persons with disabilities.
- Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment stipulates that for 2 points on BEE recognition score, 2% of employees must be disabled (black).
- Skills Development: 3 points recognition will be allocated if 0, 3% of annual payroll is spent on skills development of disabled staff members.
- In total 11 points are available for BBBEE score, and the requirements will increase in 2011.
- SKILLS DEVELOPMENT benefits
- Under BBBEE legislation gazetted 9 February 2007, 15 points are allocated to the development of Black employees.
- 6 points – Black employee development spend ( 3% of payroll)
- 3 points – Black Disabled employee spend (0,3% of payroll)
- 6 points - Black learnerships (5% of payroll)
- Companies can claim up to 60% spend on Skills Development if it is SETA registered within the specific sector /charter.
eDeaf will ensure that Skills Development training provided is SETA accredited and can therefore be claimed back.
Consultancy services are provided on Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment requirements.
|
|
|
