Adults in the Burgersfort area in Eastern Limpopo, South Africa, have received the opportunity to improve their communication and numeracy skills through an Adult Education and Training (AET) programme.

Rolled out by Anglo American’s Twickenham Platinum Mine in partnership with adult education specialists, Media Works, this training helps learners to dream bigger, access further learning opportunities and contribute more meaningfully to the economy.

The Twickenham Mine group who have completed the five-month long programme, which included Communication and Mathematics Level 1.

“Literacy and numeracy skills are vital foundations, which are necessary for us to thrive, not only in the world of work, but in our everyday lives. Communicating effectively and using basic mathematics are keys to freedom and a better quality of life,” says Jackie Carroll, CEO of Media Works.

30 adults have completed the five-month long programme, which included Communication and Mathematics Level 1. On 14 February 2019, a certification ceremony took place at Mopetsi Camp on Twickenham Mine to recognise and celebrate the learners’ achievements.

The results of the learners included 17 Merits in Communication and 8 in Maths, 10 Higher Credits in Communication and 11 in Maths and 3 Credits in Communication and 11 in Maths. The top five learners, who achieved 80% or above in both Maths and Communication, were Tlogela Condelia Selelepoo, Geofrey Mahlakwane, Mabule Innocent Serage, Maggie Makola and Moipolai Anthony Phasha.

“On behalf of Media Works, we applaud Anglo American for their commitment to upskilling and empowering South African adults. We congratulate the learners for successfully completing the programme, and we wish them everything of the best as they pursue further learning opportunities,” Carroll continues.

The completion of this programme is just the beginning of the learners’ AET journey. They will soon be moving on to Communication and Maths Level 2.