Gogos embrace digital skills training

In a world increasingly defined by technology, grandmothers in Alexandra, affectionately known as gogos, are taking transformative strides into the digital age.

Thanks to the non-governmental organisation goGOGOgo and its iGOGO training programme, these matriarchs are now mastering safe online shopping, navigating mobile apps, and communicating via WhatsApp, breaking down the digital divide that has historically limited access to technology for older generations.

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For over four years, the iGOGO initiative has focused on equipping gogos with vital digital skills, enabling them to act as agents of change within their families and communities.

The goGOGOgo founder and executive director Jane Simmonds said, “Many gogos are caregivers, responsible for raising their grandchildren, especially as children begin using digital devices from Grade 7 in South Africa. The goal is to give them the skills needed to support this transition.”

GoGOGOgo has collaborated with Vuma, a leading fibre network provider, to extend the programme’s reach and effectiveness through the partnership between GOGOs and Vuma.

Over the last three years, the collaboration has facilitated the delivery of crucial ICT training and digital devices to gogos, significantly impacting their lives.

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Vuma head of marketing Taylor Kwong said, “We aim to stimulate educational and economic activities in local communities by ensuring our gogos are digitally equipped. This empowers them to participate in today’s economy, support their roles as caregivers, and uplift their families.”

The GOGOs with Vuma workshops are conducted in Vuma-connected schools, where teaching staff and learners actively encourage their grandmothers to participate.

With over 500 gogos impacted nationally and more than 230 successfully graduating from the programme, the initiative has become a beacon of hope and progress in the community.

Simmonds said these training sessions don’t just focus on IT skills; they also address critical issues like cybersecurity, helping gogos learn to shop online safely and avoid scams targeting vulnerable users.

“Imagine the convenience for a gogo in Seshego, Polokwane being able to order groceries from Checkers Sixty60. We aim to teach them how to use these apps safely and responsibly, improving their quality of life,” Simmonds said.

Beyond technological literacy, the iGOGO programme emphasises the importance of reading to children through the Book Dash app, promoting childhood literacy with thousands of free-access stories from African authors.

To further enhance the lives of these grandmothers, goGOGOgo offers additional programmes like GOGOvision, providing eye tests and prescription glasses, and GOGOBox, encouraging fitness through weekly boxing sessions.

A forthcoming project, Masifunde GOGO aims to establish a reading club for gogos, emphasising the significance of reading to improve literacy among young children.

Despite these incredible advancements, Simmonds highlights a crucial barrier that remains: the cost of internet access.

“Your life changes if you can access the internet and for our gogos, this training, and the many projects facilitated by goGOGOgo, have the potential to change their lives for the better. But as we know in South Africa, internet access is expensive.”

“They need data, so they don’t have to choose between buying data or buying food. We are appealing for funders to join us in our work to bridge the digital divide,” Simmonds said.

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