Online, Virtual Community Learning Centres (OV-CLCs)

Community Centres (CCs), in their traditional form, have been a feature of South African community life for many decades. They were particularly active prior to the advent of democracy. Their purpose initially was to enable communities to manage their own development by providing access to information, facilities, resources, training and other social services. They also offered shared facilities and collaborated with a range of stakeholders, particularly non-government organisations (NGOs), resulting in more cost-effective and efficient provision of services. Many of these services have now been taken over by the national government.

In response to changing needs, a number of CCs became Community Learning Centres (CLCs). Their focus shifted from providing services to providing education, skills development and social empowerment. In communities where people face barriers to accessing learning opportunities, CLCs offer possibilities for lifelong learning, particularly for adults and youth who have had limited formal schooling. These centres’ offer literacy and numeracy programmes, vocational training, digital skills and community development programmes that help individuals improve their employability, participate actively in society and break the cycles of poverty.

The value of CLCs is that they offer flexible learning opportunities that emerge when open and distance learning (ODL) programs are offered. ODL refers to learning offered to overcome the barriers of time, place and pace-based learning, as characterised in the provision of traditional learning. Traditional learning generally occurs at a particular place (e.g. the school), at specified times (e.g. 8h00 to 13h00), and at the same pace (grades 1-12, the academic year). Learning at CLCs, however, may not be restricted by time and pace, but could still primarily be place-based.

An alternative to CLCs is to offer learning through, what could be termed, an online, virtual community learning centre (OV-CLC). Unlike traditional centres that are limited by geography and infrastructure, the OV-CLC offers flexible and accessible learning opportunities that can reach people globally, particularly in rural, peri-urban and underserved communities.

The Value of an Online, Virtual Community Learning Centre in Communities

An OV-CLC can greatly expand opportunities for education, skills development and social participation in all communities by offering:

1. Accessibility and Inclusion

Learners who cannot attend physical centres due to distance, disability or family responsibilities can participate online.
Digital platforms allow access to learning resources at any time, reducing barriers for working adults and caregivers.

2. Skills for a Digital Economy

Virtual centres can provide training in digital literacy, online communication, coding, entrepreneurship and remote work, equipping citizens with skills needed in a changing economy and the 5th Industrial Revolution (5IR).
This is especially valuable for youth entering a job market where technology is increasingly central.

3. Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability

Once developed, online courses and resources can be shared widely at low additional cost, making education more affordable and scalable.
OV-CLCs can reduce the need for expensive infrastructure and physical space.

4. Community and Social Cohesion

Online platforms can host forums, discussion groups, and collaborative projects, fostering a sense of belonging and knowledge-sharing across diverse communities.
Learners from different provinces can connect, exchange ideas and build networks that extend beyond local boundaries.

5. Lifelong Learning Opportunities

Adults can upskill or reskill in their own time, empowering them to adapt to new industries or start small businesses.
Short courses, webinars, and peer-led workshops can encourage continuous learning at all ages.

6. Bridging Inequality

OV-CLCs can complement government and local government efforts to close gaps in education and skills training by offering alternative pathways for those left behind by traditional systems.
With partnerships for affordable data and devices, these centres could assist communities to narrow the digital divide.

In short, an online virtual community learning centre can extend the reach of education, build digital readiness, promote social connection, and empower citizens to participate fully in socio-economic development.

Model for an Online, Virtual Community Learning Centre

1. Core Services

Foundational Learning
- Literacy and numeracy courses for adults.
- Offer multilingual content (isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sesotho, etc.) for inclusivity.
Digital Skills Training
- Basic computer literacy.
- Intermediate: coding, data entry, online safety, digital marketing.
- Advanced: software development, AI literacy, cybersecurity.
Vocational and Business Skills
- Short courses on agriculture, tourism, crafts, construction basics, and entrepreneurship.
- Financial literacy (budgeting, savings, starting a business).
- Job readiness (CV writing, interview practice, workplace communication).
Community Knowledge Sharing
- Forums for local issues (e.g., farming advice, job opportunities).
- Peer-to-peer teaching (community members running webinars).
- Cultural and heritage preservation projects (storytelling, oral histories).

2. Technology Platform

Website + Mobile App (lightweight, low data usage, offline downloads).
WhatsApp & SMS Integration for learners with limited internet.
Interactive Classrooms: live video sessions (Zoom/Teams integration) + recorded lessons.
AI Learning Assistants (chatbots in multiple languages to answer simple queries).

3. Access and Inclusion

Partnerships with Cell-phone Providers
- Zero-rated (free) access to the platform on local networks.
- Affordable devices (entry-level smartphones, tablets, or refurbished laptops).
Community Hubs
- Partner with libraries, schools, and NGOs to provide computer labs and free Wi-Fi for those without personal access.
- Local facilitators to guide first-time learners.

4. Learning Model

Self-Paced Learning (short video lessons, interactive quizzes).
Blended Learning (some live classes with facilitators, plus self-study).
Peer Support Groups (online study circles, mentorship networks).
Micro-Certificates (badges and certificates for completing modules, recognised by employers/SETAs).

5. Partnerships & Sustainability

Universities & TVET Colleges: Provide accredited content and facilitators.
Private Sector: Sponsorship from tech companies, banks, and employers who benefit from a skilled workforce.
NGOs & Donors: Support for rural outreach and device distribution.

6. Impact Goals

Increase adult literacy rates.
Improve youth employability with digital and vocational skills.
Support small business development through entrepreneurship training.
Strengthen social cohesion by connecting diverse communities.
Reduce inequalities in access to education.

In summary, an Online, Virtual Community Learning Centre (OV-CLC) combines digital skills, vocational training, literacy support and community building in one accessible online hub — scalable nationwide with partnerships to bridge the digital divide.