The goal of tackling and bringing unemployment to a close is rather a lofty goal, one that may sound all too ambitious for some.
But take a moment to imagine this: A nation where every learner leaves their place of education, more than capable and equipped to conquer the problem of unemployment and create their own space in their workforce, despite the situation they may find themselves in. It would be quite the sight to see, wouldn’t it? With a deeper look into the E3 plan of action, that dream could easily become a reality and our belief is powered by one revolutionary teaching method: Project-Based Learning.
Project-Based Learning can be understood as a student-centred learning methodology. In other words, it is a teaching method that brings the student and the power of learning closer together, placing their needs at the centre of their education. The key here lies in students being actively involved in their learning by bringing in a self-teaching element with the teacher becoming a guide rather than the source of all knowledge.
What are the benefits? Besides being a more active way of learning, Project-Based Learning instills valuable skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, all of which set any child right to conquer the world ahead of them. How? With these three skills combined, also known as the 21st Century Competencies, every child gains the opportunity to be well-equipped to carry themselves throughout life and beyond, both in the academic and in the wild, real world.
What this means is that the youth of South Africa will not only have learned the knowledge taught in the school syllabus but also essential real-life skills, similar to those employed by entrepreneurs. In addition, students are strengthened in their own self-agency, their belief that they can, driving their motivation to be an actively engaged citizen in South Africa in a way that is meaningful for each and every individual.
The result is the possibility of our imagination becoming reality, with 100% of learners coming out of school, equipped with the 21st Century competencies taught by Project-Based Learning that have left them armed with the motivation to be a part of South Africa’s hungry workforce. And just like that, what seemed unachievable becomes attainable, leaving the problem of unemployment solved and conquered!
