iGOGO
Project Aim
The iGOGO project aims to enhance the lives of grandmothers across South Africa with essential digital literacy skills. By equipping gogos with basic information and communication technology (ICT) skills, iGOGO aims to bridge the digital divide, strengthening the role of grandparents in the education and technology ecosystem
What is iGOGO?
iGOGO is a technology-driven intervention to equip grandparents with digital literacy skills and tablets to improve internet access and ICT resources for their grandchildren. Through research-based monitoring and evaluation, the project identifies and addresses the specific resources, skills, and knowledge needs of gogos to effectively use the internet.
iGOGO provides digital skills training and tablets to grandmothers aged 60+ who are primary caregivers to school-aged children in under-resourced communities. Participants learn foundational internet skills through a two-week digital literacy course which covers online communication, safe browsing, email, e-hailing, online shopping, cybersecurity practices and e-learning. Participants receive a tablet for training, which they keep upon graduation to facilitate online learning and access for their grandchildren.
With the right resources, grandmothers can help bridge the digital divide for their grandchildren, enabling their participation in online learning. Although children today are more readily exposed to the internet, digital literacy is not enough. Adequate technology and caregiver support are key to ensuring fair and sustainable access to the virtual classroom.
Project Dates
This is an ongoing project with workshops every year
Since 2021 iGOGO has implemented over 20 project cycles across 8 provinces
Partners and Funders
Vumatel (Gogos With Vuma)
Beck Family Trust
Cell C
Amazon
In the News
Grannies receive digital skills training to address the digital divide
From safe online shopping and e-hailing a ride around town to supporting the next generation with digital skills, gogos (grandmothers) in Alexandra Township are finally entering the world of WhatsApp group chats, mobile apps and emails, thanks to non-governmental organisation (NGO) goGOGOgo and its iGOGO training programme.
Africa Business Communities.com
29 July 2024Gogos Go Digital with Vuma & goGOGOgo
In this heartwarming episode, we celebrate a groundbreaking initiative that’s bridging the digital divide for South Africa’s grandmothers. Through a partnership between Vuma and goGOGOgo, 38 incredible gogos in Pretoria have graduated from a digital skills training programme—learning to send emails, browse the internet, use WhatsApp, and even access online services.
The Social Impact Show with Samm Marshall on 919FM
9 March, 2025Empowering Elderly Women with Digital Skills in Alexandra
“With many gogos acting as caregivers and raising their grandchildren, and with children in South Africa expected to use digital devices by Grade 7, our goal is to equip gogos with the necessary knowledge and skills to support this process,” says Jane Simmonds, Executive Director and Founder of goGOGOgo.
IT NEWS AFRICA.COM
25 July 2024See many other goGOGOgo features in the news
