SKILLS TRAINING NEWS

New magazine to empower rural learners

MatricMag is a magazine to be distributed to learners in rural high schools in South Africa who do not have access to digital technology or libraries to supplement their information needs. Only 8% of South Africa's public schools have libraries and 51% have access to digital technology.

The magazine seeks to bridge the digital divide that is currently barring learners in rural and peri-urban areas from accessing critical information that can help lift them out of poverty and assist them with building better futures for themselves. 

"It features content covering various topics that encourage a love of learning, while providing practical guidance on options, whether a learner goes on to higher education or does not have that opportunity," says 25-year-old editor Nomvelo Miya. 

"Even though it is not a curriculum based textbook, we see the content as a tool to empower learners with information that will assist them to make better-informed decisions to help plan their futures.

"Learners in rural and peri-urban areas who are among the 70% who do not get absorbed into the higher education system and have limited or no digital access are the most marginalised in terms of exposure to opportunities. The magazine will aggregate information that will equip them to become more employable or to start their own sustainable businesses.

"Our approach to the distribution of critical information is one that acknowledges the realities of South Africa. Given the very apparent geographic limitations of digital reach at this stage, this is a resource that can reach learners in both printed and digital formats."

In order to reach all schools in rural and peri-urban areas, the magazine is seeking the participation of corporate and individual partners to sponsor the distribution of the magazine. 

For more information, go to www.matricmag.com.