The DBE hosted a conference for its E³ (Employability, Entrepreneurship and Education in Schools) initiative under the theme: “Solving the crisis of unemployment through education – If it’s going to be, it’s up to me” in Pretoria on Friday 26 April 2019.  On the first day over 140 people passionate about preparing learners for the 21^st Century gathered to discuss an effective education strategy in schools aimed to better prepare learners for life after school. After an initial welcome by Dr Moses Simelane, Chief Director for Curriculum Implementation and Monitoring, the attendees were treated to talks and panel discussions about E³’s goal of preparing all learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Participants learnt about project-based learning, as a counter to the current outdated system of learning and assessment used in schools across South Africa, and the advantages of teaching learners the same skills inherent in entrepreneurs that enable them to find work to ignite their passion. They learnt about the importance of creativity, a growth mindset and empathy as tools to build a value-based society. The room buzzed with discussion about this new advancement in education, one that cares about learners, inspires them, cherishes their individual talents, and secures them with the skills to ensure success in their careers after leaving their institutions of learning.

The following two days consisted of workshops and training exercises and was attended by teachers, provincial delegates, departmental officials, organisations specialising in education and entrepreneurship, and specialists in project-based learning.  The purpose was to combine expertise and begin the process of preparing projects to be used in the curriculum in the next round of E³ piloting in schools. 

Dr Taddy Blecher, the chairperson of the national advisory council for E³ summarised the importance of the E³ initiative: “If we can’t, as educators, start to change the experience of our young learners, we’re not going to have the future we want. This is about Thuma Mina – we’re going to work together, we’re going to do amazing things.”

Click on the below link for additional information:

https://www.education.gov.za/E3EntrepreneurshipConference.aspx