The visit is of particular importance given that France is South Africa’s second largest trading partner in the European Union, and South Africa is France’s largest trading partner in Africa.
The visit bore both economic and business opportunities created by SA and France.
From Covid-19 vaccination to youth programmes such as Trace Academia, a free online vocational training platform built for young South Africans looking to build their skills to find or create jobs.
This is created in response to the high rate of youth unemployment in South Africa and the continent, Trace Academia will focus on empowerment through educating and training young people.
French Minister Elisabeth Moreno and South African partners, signed of a protocol of cooperation between Trace, Senghor University in Egypt, and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), to create a training programme to develop and support the professionalization of the creative and cultural sector in Africa.
More than 50% of Africa’s population is under 25 years old. The youth are struggling with the effects of a longstanding economic and psychological crisis. The reach of the global pandemic has further accelerated the need for new approaches to education.
Trace Academia courses are created in collaboration with leading companies, institutions and experts to ensure that the skills provided are well matched to market needs. A localised, interactive and entertaining course format keeps the learner’s attention and significantly improves course completion rate.
Trace Academia will primarily target young South Africans in its inaugural year.
The platform will launch with several locally produced training courses including Get Started with Digital Marketing (Grow with Google), How to Become a DJ (Trace), Spark your Interest in Electricity (Schneider Electric), Become a Successful Entrepreneur (Valued Citizens & UJ), Become a Real Handyman (Leroy Merlin) and Own Your Situation (Durex). Trace Academia will take the learner through the journey towards skill acquisition.
The Trace Academia platform will offer:
- Vocational Training
- Entrepreneurial courses
- Soft Skill and Well Being courses
- Social Learning Features
- Job Information
Learning Engagement – Engaging content keeps the learners’ attention and maximises completion
Testing and Certification – Course certified by industry leaders providing credibility and applicability
Employment Opportunities – Learners are connected to an ecosystem of employment enablers.
During his interaction with President Ramaphosa and other delegates in Pretoria, Pres Macron promised to work in tandem with SA and other African regions, on fighting the pandemic by committing funds and human capital.
Image SUPPLIED (French Minister Elisabeth Moreno with Trace Academia founder’s at the launch held in SA).
