TRIPLE E TRAINING HOLDINGS

Successes in the field of education have been few and far between in the last decade in South Africa, however one of the bright lights has been the cooperation between government and business in the field of adult basic education and training. Big business and government are achieving success after success in rolling out ABET programmes, which are starting to have a real effect in reducing illiteracy rates in South Africa. There has also been a real growth in the amount of accredited ABET service providers, which bodes well for the future of ABET at the Southern tip of Africa.

ABET programs continue to be the cornerstone upon which South Africa’s future will be built. Adult basic education and training is making South Africa’s workforce more competitive in an ever more challenging global business environment. Without the aggressive rollout of these ABET endeavors South Africa will be doomed to continue as a supplier of raw materials to other countries who flourish by adding value to these commodities and the bad news is that the gold, diamonds and platinum are running out. With ABET initiatives in place South Africa can change from a simple supplier of commodities into a world class manufacturing society.

Business has a reputation for putting profit above all else, however in South Africa business has shown a commitment to changing this reputation through concrete actions. Business, in close cooperation with government has been aggressively rolling out ABET programmes that are making a real difference to people’s lives in communities across the land. By reducing illiteracy rates ABET programmes have the ability to allow people to reach for their dreams, without a basic knowledge of reading and writing these South African citizens would never have been afforded the opportunity of contributing in any meaningful way to the south African economy or bettering their own lives.

Adult basic education and training are transforming communities across South Africa. Where before the Bantu education system had left community members with no hope for the future today ABET programs set up by government and private enterprise have provided hope for a better future. These ABET programs which are aimed at eradicating illiteracy and providing opportunities for further education have been recognised for their ability to change lives. By providing the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic members of these communities are able to dream of a better future for themselves and their children and consequently a better future for the entire country.

Although ABET programs have been a great success in South Africa and government and big business remain committed to rolling out ever more ambitious and wide ranging programs there is still room for improvement. Business has to recommit itself to following through with ABET programs that address further education. It is not enough to address the problems of illiteracy business and government must go a step further and ensure that workers across the country continue their studies. A foundation as provided by ABET level one is admirable, however for a truly educated workforce ABET levels 2, 3, and 4 are required.

If you cannot read or write your ambitions simply cannot be realised. In a world that is changing to one where information is the currency that will allow people to reach their true potential. Someone who is illiterate is denied access to the information available in today’s knowledge rich environment and has to allow others to translate this information into something that they can understand. By being disenfranchised in this manner the illiterate worker is forever at a disadvantage. ABET is changing that status and is also changing people’s lives across South Africa. Business and government have shown themselves to be committed to this goal through rolling out ABET programs across South Africa.

A basic ability to read and write is one of the cornerstones of personal fulfillment. Studies have shown that if an individual is not in possession of these skills then the ripple effect on the relatives of that individual and for the community as a whole can be devastating. Illiteracy is at the heart of many of South Africa social problems and is a contributing factor to a high crime rate and other social injustices like violence toward women and children. ABET programs rolled out by government and business are correcting the injustices of the apartheid educational system and turning a previously under educated workforce into a high productive and motivated one.

ABET is one of the success stories of further education and training in South Africa. Business has committed itself, in cooperation with government to a better, more educated workforce. Adult basic education and training programs are being aggressively rolled out at business premises across the country, and business is realising that an educated workforce is the key to success in an ever more competitive global business environment. The macroeconomic effects of education are well documented, however business is also realising that ABET programs result in less absenteeism, more loyalty to the company and a more productive workforce. It’s a case of win-win, employees are happier and the business thrives.

Illiteracy prevents many South Africa’s from achieving their full potential. Without the skills required for reading and writing these citizens are doomed to a life of manual labour and cannot become truly productive members of their communities. Illiteracy results in both low self esteem and low productivity, both of which have negative effects on social structure and business productivity. If South Africa is to become a competitive force in the global economic environment and build a better life for all its people then adult basic education programs must be aggressively rolled out across the country. Only when these programs are a fact of life for business can we expect real growth, both for our citizens and for the country itself.

By setting aside a portion of profit for Adult basic education and training programs business has quickly reaped the benefits of a more educated workforce. By enrolling illiterate employees in ABET level 1 programs illiteracy is being addressed on a daily basis. Employees are also committed to training staff in life skills so that they are better equipped to cope with the stresses of a modern lifestyle. ABET training programs also provide employees with skills such as how to operate an ATM or take telephone messages more effectively. This combination of business and life skills is addressing the failings of the apartheid educational system so that every citizen of South Africa can contribute to the success of the nation.