leading expert advice
Parenting Hub

Keto And Zuri Learn About COVID-19

Roche and the Kolisi Foundation today launched a children’s book, Keto and Zuri Learn about COVID-19, that will help parents and caregivers across Africa explain COVID-19 to children by sharing scientific facts in age-appropriate language. The book is available to download for free on both the Kolisi Foundation and Roche’s websites, and a limited run of free printed copies will be distributed throughout Africa in seven languages. “We recognize the confusion and concern that children may be facing as a result of the pandemic and the changed behaviors of those around them. Similarly, we know the difficulties many parents and caregivers share in explaining scientific facts and public health policies to their children,” said Bart Vanhauwere, Area Head Africa, Roche. “This book aims to present the realities of COVID-19 in an easily digestible, approachable manner to help children and adults alike understand the changes caused by the pandemic and continue taking action to stay healthy.” “We often notice that the families we meet need information in addition to more practical support. This is why the Kolisi Foundation is proud to partner on the creation of this book. It helps children understand COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of health and safety behaviours, to protect themselves and their family members and friends. The full-colour illustration is visually appealing and the book is published in multiple languages,” said Valerie Anderson, Kolisi Foundation Operations and Programmes Manager. In South Africa, Transnet, a 25-year partner of Roche, will be handing out a limited printed supply of the books through the Phelophepa trains. These two trains, of which Roche is the main external sponsor, are free, mobile healthcare clinics that are now dedicated to COVID-19 screening, testing and awareness for people living in rural communities. The One by One Target Covid Campaign is also a partner of Keto and Zuri Learn about COVID-19. The Campaign is proudly supporting the distribution of the new children’s book in Uganda, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To help spread further awareness, they announced the creation of the book to their AfricaCovidChampions, who they brought together in an effort to spread reliable information about COVID-19. AfricaCovidChampions is a new initiative that includes some of the most prominent African celebrities, media personalities, journalists, and influencers from the sports, entertainment, business, cultural and faith communities. Among many others, these prominent figures include Heritier Wanabe (Musician), Simon Mwewa Lane (TV Show Host), Joseph Kusaga (Media Owner), Jeff Koinange (Journalist/Talk Show Host) and Gift Ali (Ugandan Football player / Sports Personality). These influencers have committed to serve as powerful public health advocates and will help the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reach people with the essential information needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital copies of the children’s book can be downloaded here. It is available in multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa Setswana, Portuguese, French:https://www.roche.com/sustainability/philanthropy/covid-19-childrens-book.htm About Roche Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible. Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. More than thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Moreover, for the twelfth consecutive year, Roche has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2020 employed more than 100,000 people worldwide. In 2020, Roche invested CHF 12.2 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 58.3 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visitwww.roche.com. About the Kolisi Foundation Founded by Siya and Rachel Kolisi, the Kolisi Foundation has the vision to change the narratives of inequality in South Africa. Seeking to support people living in under-resourced communities in South Africa by providing relief resources, facilitating capacity-building and horizontal learning exchanges, and mobilizing and advocating for systemic change. Driven by their motto to ‘remember the one, one by one’, the Kolisi Foundation is invested in researching, piloting and developing projects centred around three programmatic areas: Food Security, Gender-Based Violence, and Education and Sports Development.   For more information, please visit www.kolisifoundation.org.

October 12, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

Your child needs a Cyber Safety Helmet

Whether our children are into cycling, motorcycling, BMX, Skateboarding, Motocross or roller-skating, it is only a matter of time before accidents happen. One of my adrenaline-junkie friends always says there are two types of riders: those who have had their first accident; and those who are going to have their first accident. This analogy can be applied to  our children’s online and offline  activities.  When you buy your child his or her first bicycle, or pair of roller-skates it typically goes hand-in-hand with a helmet to keep them safe in case they fall. Through trying out and playing different types of sports, we equip them with the right gear to ensure they play it safe.  Navigating their digital journeys, online interactions or the way they search for information on their mobile devices are not dissimilar. With smartphones being such an integral part of our future and the careers they will eventually choose, we don’t want to deprive them from participating in the digital world, but we want to ensure they play it safe.  …but definitely not my child As parents, we sometimes get stuck thinking about our children as the innocent toddlers and kids they were. We picture them unwrapping their first bicycle with the safety wheels still on, wanting to put their helmets on the right way. Still knowing that they need protection and not giving any attention to whether this look is cool enough, which becomes the  main concern in their teenage years.  The harder reality that we are faced with, is that even when we think they are ‘innocence impersonated’, they are subjected to an amount of peer-pressure and participating in an online world that we cannot fully comprehend. They are exposed to an environment where they are constantly inundated with new apps, new online friends (who they have or have not met), new information and a new way of balancing their digital activity and reality.  Keeping them safer in this world means reinventing the way we educate them about cyber safety and, even then, monitoring what they are exposed to, but in a way that also protects their privacy. It’s about giving them the phone, but adding the cyber safety helmet. Protecting their young minds Most tweens and teenagers go through a phase of getting stuck in their minds rather than talk about everything. When they encounter events that bother them, whether in person or online, their first port of call may not be their parents. They fear that when they speak up about difficult situations and their parents try to intervene (or interfere), that the situation will get worse.  This could happen when they are being bullied or cyberbullied or when they have seen content that their minds can’t really deal with at that age. They may also encounter content such as pornography or sexting that cause them to feel guilt and shame, but remaining curious to engage even more. When these events happen, they need our help more than ever. They need advice from parents or caregivers to guide them on this journey. But for parents, not knowing when or how this happens means that we can’t protect their minds or their thoughts and unless they talk to us about it, we seldom have any way of knowing. Some parents keep a close eye on all the devices in the home, but with all our time constraints, it is so easy to miss something small that could lead to a bigger issue. However, wearing their cyber safety helmet when they participate in the digital world, the state of the art algorithms of FYI play it safe empower parents with this information. Whether their thoughts are about the bullying situation, or when they consider searching for information about self-harm or suicide, their cyber safety helmet will protect them and alert you to intervene and guide them to safety.  Playing it safe with FYI play it safe Smart parenting is about watching them skateboard through the streets and knowing that they have the equipment to safely lean into the next corner. It’s watching them mountain biking on a single-track downhill at a ridiculous speed, but with the certainty that they are protected and are less likely to get hurt if they fall. It is about building better relationships with our children, where we have the information to discuss actual difficult situations they encounter, rather than hypothetical scenarios. Where our guidance actively influences the content they search for, post and like on social media. Where we have the opportunity to guide them on who they accept as friends or which messages on chats they react to and more importantly, how they respond. Safety, whether physical, emotional, psychological or in cyberspace isn’t expensive. It’s priceless.

October 6, 2021
Koa Academy

Why GenZ and GenAlpha need to do school differently

School is rooted in tradition, and all too often we, as parents, look to nurture our connection with our growing and increasingly independent children through them having a similar educational experience to us.  This might have worked for past generations.  However, the seismic changes in our world accelerated by relentless tech innovation over the recent decades have fundamentally disrupted this particular flow of tradition.   It’s forced us back to basics where we acknowledge that the purpose of education is to prepare our children for their working and civic future, not to provide us with more sought-after parental touchpoints.  The world of work has fundamentally changed.  So much so that we are educating our children today for jobs that don’t yet exist, and they need to be educated in different ways.   Mark Anderson, Principal of Koa Academy, a uniquely high-touch digital school, says, “Content memorisation, with the teacher as the sole content expert, is an outdated notion for our current young generations who live in a world where all content is just a click away.  Top marks should not just be given for memorising the facts.  Instead, being able to evaluate and think critically about an abundance of facts, and the sources of those facts, is one of the vital 21st Century skills.  It’s no longer relevant to remember a one right answer enshrined in one textbook; the next generations need to be able to access a world of information and apply it to real world problems, effectively communicating their ideas to others. ”   For our GenZ and GenAlpha children, understanding how they learn has become more significant than what content they can retain in their memories.  The teacher has transformed from a content provider in front of the class to a learning expert able to coach the students at their side along their unique learning pathways.  The so-called ‘soft skills’ that nobody paid much attention to in a mechanistic, industrial past have now become the top information-age capabilities.  Those who know how to think critically, how to communicate, how to collaborate and how to innovate lead the way.  Literacy has expanded to include media, information, civic and technological literacies.  Qualities such as resilience, emotional intelligence and flexibility help our children win the day.  What this means is that as parents, we should be worried if our child’s educational environment today looks and seems a lot like the one that we experienced. Your kids are – but are you ready for School 2.0? Mark believes it is time for parents to find out more about School 2.0.  He says, “It’s really exciting that parents have more options than ever before when it comes to education. But we also know that it is harder than ever for parents to really understand the different options.  At Koa Academy, our advice is for parents to start by thinking through what you really want for your child. And, I don’t mean which schooling system. I mean, what do you value when it comes to your child’s education? Then, as you investigate the growing number of options, keep an eye out for the schools which are prioritising those same values.” The Koa Academy education model prioritises individualised learning with children grouped in small 8-person pods working every day with a dedicated, specialist teacher who has not only mastered online pedagogy but understands the needs of each child in their Pod.  The platform is registered as a South African IEB curriculum provider leveraging educational resources from all around the world.  With the flexibility that only an online platform can provide, academic progress is mastery based enabling children to speed up or slow down as needed and for families to schedule timetables and terms in ways that suit them best.   Mark says, “Our aim is to prepare children for the real world.  Learning is rooted in real-world issues; tasks give children options, and age-appropriate feedback is ongoing so that children can adapt and grow in dynamic ways as they learn.  In this way assessment is embedded in the learning process, and not a disconnected result that they can’t actually learn from.  Our passionate teachers are curating and facilitating content at the child’s pace. Each child progresses when they have mastered the learning which is the only real way to ensure that no one is left behind.” Like everything else in life, traditional education has been disrupted over the past pandemic months.  Through months of stay-at-home restrictions, parents have had new and different insights into their child’s learning and their schooling system. As we look to a post-pandemic future, there’s more open thinking about what really works for our families, and what doesn’t.  Our GenZ and GenAlpha children face a future that is differently shaped from anything we have known.  If there’s a silver lining to the COVID clouds, it’s the idea that we can create a better reality for our families, community and country.  School 2.0 has become a serious option in how we choose to educate our children for a fast-evolving future that will make different demands on them.

September 30, 2021
Paper Video

Why extra classes online can be the smarter option right now

There’s no doubt that “online” has become the new norm for almost everything. From business meetings and work to entertainment and socialising. School curriculums are also no exception to the rule and extra school lessons have had to move from in-person tutoring to a more digital realm. But here’s why extra classes online aren’t all bad, in fact with Paper Video you might even find them more engaging and favourable compared to traditional tutoring.  You decide when and where Flexibility has become one of the most important factors. Busy schedules can make it difficult to stick to set tutoring times and we’ve had to tailor our lives around them. Travelling around from one extracurricular to the next has also become a thing of the past, especially in our current climate. Online tutoring allows learners to catch up in the comfort of their own homes at convenient times that suit an entire household.  Paper Video gives learners instant at-home-access to the ultimate collection of revision resources with thousands of embedded video lessons, taught by experienced and engaging teachers. As a result, learners can simply log in, whenever, wherever, to get access to an extra teacher.  It’s not just one expert teacher on the line  Traditionally, personal tutors specialise in one or two subjects and learners might find that they would like to excel in or need help with more than one subject. Signing up for Paper Video gives learners access to Maths, Physical Sciences*, Life Sciences* and Accounting all on one platform (*covered in Natural Sciences for grade 8 and 9 learners). Not only that, an exceptional list of teachers from a selection of some of the top schools in the country, means that one platform gives you access to specialised experts in each subject.  You still get your one-on-one time  Many digital learning platforms do come with the perception that there’s not much room for one-on-one interaction. This may be a deal-breaker from some, but many e-learning, online tutoring and online schooling platforms are adapting and making sure their lessons are as engaging, animated and in-depth as possible to accommodate learners who need that extra personal touch. To ensure this, Paper Video has created over 11,000 video lessons that cover everything from individual past exam questions to entire topics in the syllabus. Each video follows a step-by-step approach to explain the required concepts, so the platform ensures that the resources cover any question learners might have. Find what you’re looking for, faster Convenience has become a key driver in the modern world and digital tutoring platforms are making it easier to not only get down to the specifics, but also finding answers fasters. Paper Video helps learners find what they’re looking for with their past exam questions and topics in each subject linked to searchable keywords. Learners can simply type in a word in the platforms’ search box and find a list of all related past exam questions and topic video lessons. Less pressure, more learning While participation is encouraged in many classes, it can often place a lot of pressure on learners and cultivate a competitive environment. Learners all engage and study differently, so while the typical classroom environment is stimulating for some, it does not work as well for others. Today, digital resources can give learners the option to study in a way that’s comfortable for them, and the more comfortable they are, the easier it is to retain information. With Paper Video, learners can study online in their own time and track their own progress. The platform also gives learners the freedom to study at their own pace and revisit concepts they might not have understood, all without the pressure of feeling left behind. Whether you’re a parent or a learner that’s still getting used to the idea of the online migration, the fact remains that online technologies have blown digital education and tutoring opportunities right open. It’s not only saving time but money. Its accessibility, individuality and flexibility are what’s making it more appealing by the day, especially with the unprecedented challenges being faced by learners at the moment.  Visit www.papervideo.co.za or contact Paper Video on 061 357 2304 for more information on how to get started.

September 24, 2021
Solarpop

Toy to Screen and Back Again – Augmented reality encouraging real world play

It is every child’s dream to see a toy they love come to life before their very eyes. Although the Snap Ships line of construction toys already offer real world active play, Snap Ships goes even further with the Augmented Reality (AR) app available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. With the introduction of AR games, children now have access to advanced forms of technology. The virtual world develops rapidly, and gamified apps can act as an important catalyst to enhance play time and so improve children’s imagination while teaching vital digital skills at the same time. AR technology is a great way to bring digital learning lessons into a real-world situation, turning screen time into a sensory experience where what’s behind the screen is just as important as what’s on the screen. The Snap Ships Augmented Reality experience is not just a simple partner app to the physical product, but a world building experience immersing children into the Snap Ships universe and the heroic characters that exist within it. The Snap Ships app offers several amazing features including: AR – summon ships in Augmented Reality allowing the user to scan and test systems EXPLORE – Experience the Snap Ships universe and learn about the fleet BUILD – 3D instructions for core ships, plus endless custom and combination ships BATTLE – Choose your favourite ship and participate in quick combat flights against the Komplex JOIN – Users gets draw into the imaginative world by joining the Forge as a new recruit. Rank up and unlock awesome ships COLLECTION – Track your collection and discover new builds to create with your kits UNIQUE SHIPS – Check back daily for new unique ships builds, an always evolving supply of new building ideas for your toy fleet! AR creates a link between the real and digital world, offering children an added sense of wonder through the app, while ultimately still leading children back to the physical toy. Interacting with an app such as this also increases a child’s confidence and independence as they learn valuable digital skills while playing. In other words, children from an early age become more independent in handling tasks which also boosts their confidence levels. The advantage of AR is its openness. It offers the freedom to constantly change, update and create. Leading experts are also of the opinion that augmented reality would also assist to nurture a child’s inner creative. Additionally, it can be said that the learning experience of a child can be improved to significant levels.  Motivation and concentration are two main components that further boost the creativity of a child. The AR games used by kids can holistically make sure that they learn new ways of interacting and dealing with technology. AR applications also improve cognitive skills and memory through the interactions between child and the app. With the use of AR technology in real world toys, children learn the value of utilising technology to enhance their lives but to not be a slave to the screen. In the case of the Snap Ships AR app. the rewards offered by the app is focused on the real-world Snap Ships toy in the form of imagination stimulating world building activities, additional creative ideas for custom Snap Ships toy builds and more. 

September 22, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Redefining healthcare in 2022

As South Africa moves to Covid-19 adjusted Level 2 and vaccination numbers increase, access to quality healthcare remains a priority.  Today, Bonitas Medical Fund announced its 2022 product line up offering. This includes the use of reserves to keep contribution increases lower, a Benefit Booster to stretch day-to-day benefits, a revised international travel benefit with payment for Covid tests and a contribution towards quarantine costs. There is also a renewed focus on preventative care, virtual consultations and plans that enable more South Africans to have access to affordable, quality healthcare.  Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas said, ‘The Scheme performed well in a volatile market, attributable to proactive risk management and prudent board decisions. A positive offshoot of the pandemic was an increased appreciation of medical aid cover that resulted in better-than-expected member retention and a 2.3% membership growth since January.’ Top line changes ’We have taken a strategic decision to utilise approximately R600m of reserves to ensure that 82% of members receive a below CPI contribution increase for the 2022 benefit year. The innovative Benefit Booster equates to an increase in day-to-day benefits for members ranging from 16% to 32%, depending on the members’ plan. We believe it is the largest increase in benefits ever seen in the medical aid industry.’  The average weighted contribution increase across all plans is 4.8% with the BonStart premium decreasing by 7.9%, which can be attributed to the low cost versus benefits ratio and the younger membership profile on the plan. The decrease in contribution is an industry first – as was the decision to offer BonFit Select at a 0% increase in 2020. New offerings include an additional virtual plan, BonStart Plus, a renewed focus on Managed Care with an oncology management programme as well as an enhanced member app, powered by AMP, which includes a personalised wellness programme to encourage healthier behaviour. Plans There will be a total of 15 plans for the year ahead comprising traditional, savings, hospital, edge (virtual), network and income-based plans, each carefully crafted with a specific mix of benefits to appeal to various target markets. Increases range from minus -7.9% to 6.5%. Bonitas has opted to increase its options which are currently in a growth phase – BonSave, BonFit and BonEssential – by only 3.6%. Sustainability and affordability The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) recommended increases in line with CPI of 4.2% with the caveat that financial stability and sustainability of schemes must remain a priority. We feel that the use of part of our reserves to cushion members against increasing costs is an appropriate strategy. Other recommendations by the CMS include: Driving innovation from a pricing point of view; exercising caution in terms of utilising reserves to help cushion increases and adopting innovative pricing models – a directive Bonitas took to heart. Boosting benefits The Benefit Booster is the most innovative change in the healthcare industry since the advent of the savings account. It stretches value and equates to an increase in day-to-day benefits ranging from 16% to 100%, depending on the plan. This covers all out-of-hospital claims including acute medicine, GP consultations and non-surgical procedures such as wart removal. Members simply need to complete a wellness assessment (which can be done online), to tap into the Benefit Booster. Claims will pay from this benefit first – helping to preserve savings and day-to-day benefits for members. Managed Care At the launch, Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa,Head of Operations said, ‘Lifestyle diseases have reached epidemic proportions in South Africa. 80% of these Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are caused by lifestyle risk factors like smoking and obesity.  Managed Care is designed to help members with chronic conditions by using the best clinical and treatment protocols. This is achieved by analytics and continuous research, alignment to the latest technology, market trends and member needs and leveraging this data for enhanced treatment.   Oncology Cancer prevalence is increasing alarmingly. As a result, coordination of care is critical for oncology. Bonitas is introducing a new Oncology Management Programme that utilises a partnership between Medscheme Managed Healthcare and the South African Oncology Consortium (SAOC), to improve the coordination of care of oncology patients. Back and Neck Programme ‘Our back and neck programme has seen a 93% success rate. In 2022, we introduce the eDBC app.  This technology-driven channel offers digital coaching solutions and home-based care to help improve pain and mobility. It includes a self-assessment, baseline progress checks and outcomes’ evaluation.’ The GP is key ‘The Scheme believes that the GP is at the heart of the Managed Care model. Care coordination is essential in ensuring that members get the right level of care and support in managing their conditions. Our GP network has a broad national footprint and 98% of members are within a 10km radius of a network GP.’ Virtual Care BonStart, the inaugural Edge plan introduced in 2020, proved very successful – using virtual care as its base. For this reason, the Scheme is introducing an additional Edge plan, BonStart Plus for 2022, aimed at attracting a new profile of member through this diversified distribution channel and attractive pricing. Virtual care has proven a sound and reliable solution, locally and internationally, for improving access to quality healthcare and is now offered across all 15 Bonitas plans.   Digital Covid-19 spurred progression of digital enhancements with innovations such as a mobile app and WhatsApp channel being swiftly created. The Member Zone is being enhanced allowing members to manage their medical aid more effectively.  Amalgamations Callakoppen says, ‘Bonitas’ track record for amalgamations is excellent and we are currently awaiting approval from the Competition Commission to our proposed amalgamation with the Nedgroup Medical Aid Scheme. The amalgamation will fortify the size of Bonitas as well as decrease the average age and pensioner ratio while bolstering the reserves.’  Travel benefits  ‘We wanted to ensure that our members are covered should they need to travel and noted that testing and enforced quarantine could be expensive. The Scheme is therefore offering a Covid-19 PCR test pre-

September 22, 2021
Parenting Hub

Home Office: How to up your productivity levels

South Africa’s economic climate, along with the global health pandemic, has forced many of us to work from home. Luckily, most of us have the technology we need to get our jobs done in the safety and comfort of our own homes. But besides the tech you’re already using, what else can you equip your home office with to make it easier to work remotely? Join Adzuna as we explore some of the best tech tips, tricks, and hacks that can help increase your productivity levels and make it a little more fun to work from home! #1 – Explore Apps in Depth You’ve likely been using Slack if you have a home office. But aside from streamlining text-based communication, many of us don’t use it for much else. Did you know that Slack is great for online meetings? When you set up a video call with the app, you can easily switch between chats and video calls while the chat window stays open for easy note-taking. It also has an excellent screen share function that can help minimize misunderstandings. #2 – Create Insightful Training Videos Loom is a great app for building how-to, training, and FAQ videos. Tools like these are lifesavers in a time like this when in-person training sessions are nearly impossible. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Loom made their tech much more accessible. You can now do much more with the free version, and the reduced package prices are much more attractive than they were two years ago. As a bonus, they also offer free functionality for anyone working in the education sector! #3 – Get Your To-Dos Done Asana is a wizard of tools that easily integrates with Google Suite to boost productivity further. In the tool’s free version, you can integrate with Google Calendar to stay on track of everything you need to get done. Obviously, the premium version of Asana is much more resourceful, but for helping you ensure you get the basics done, this tool comes highly recommended! #4 – Brainstorm Like a Boss PinItToMe is an excellent digital post-it board that provides teams with the perfect environment to collaborate. It’s also free, which just makes it that much better. All team members can drag and drop post-its across the virtual corkboard, and it’s ideal for scheduling, retro meeting, and pretty much any other team-oriented activity. Once you’re done for the day, simply save the corkboard’s unique URL and revisit it whenever necessary! #5 – Create a Central Focus Point If you’ve been using a plethora of accounts, apps, and workflows, we feel you. The frustration is real. But so is Shift. This desktop app streamlines all your accounts. Shift’s logical approach just makes managing everything in the home office a little easier. The tool lets you toddle between multiple Gmail, Outlook, and Office 365 accounts with ease. It also connects all your email accounts, your favourite web apps, and tools, and then gives you the option to customise your workstation. In Conclusion The home office setup isn’t for everyone. You might even miss the traditional office setup. But when the need calls for it, the tips and tricks we’ve mentioned here today will help you be as productive as possible when working from home!

September 14, 2021
Parenting Hub

SACAP TEACHERS’ WEBINAR SPOTLIGHTS TEEN IDENTITY AND SOCIAL MEDIA

When it comes to social media and the youth, there’s no shortage of dire warnings and cautionary tales.  Parents and teachers are all but hard-wired to view social media through the lens of threats and risks, and there’s little to provide balance and insights into how our teens can and do use social media and internet platforms for good. Social Media and Adolescent Identity is the topic for an upcoming SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology) Teachers Webinar which will be hosted by Academic Dean and Counselling Psychologist, Dr Jaclyn Lotter.  The free, one-hour webinar, to be held on Saturday, 18 September from 10h00 to 11h00 invites South African teachers to join the conversation and gain a deeper understanding into the appeal of social media, and the role it can play in supporting teens as they navigate their way towards adulthood. Dr Lotter says, “When we don’t fully understand something new and how it is being used, we have a fear-based response.  It may seem quaint nowadays, but in the times of mass installation of telephone networks, there was a backlash at the potential threats this new technology could unleash on society, especially our vulnerable youth.  Of course, there are risks, and awareness is so important.  On the other hand, millions of young people are engaged safely over social media, and there are benefits too.  As teachers understand this, they become far more effective at helping their teen students use social media in safe and responsible ways.” Dr Lotter points out that social media opens up a myriad of spaces for adolescents to find diverse communities where they can test out aspects of their burgeoning identities with minimal risks.  For instance, teens grappling with non-heteronormative identities can connect to guidance and support that simply may not be available to them in person.  “It also doesn’t necessarily have to be that serious,” says Dr Lotter, “Sometimes, young people want to explore sub-genres of music or youth activist causes or counter-cultural arts in safe, maybe non-committal ways as they build their identities.  There’s far greater scope for this via the internet and social media.” The webinar will also explore the concept of digital citizenship which is very much part of the younger generations’ lives but did not exist in the youth of teachers and parents. Dr Lotter says, “Here we are talking about a set of skills including critical thinking, and a range of behaviours that help teens navigate the digital world in safe and wise ways.  We’ll be highlighting the conversations that can happen in homes and classrooms that promote the development of these skills and empower our young generations because we can offer them meaningful guidelines about how to get the best and give their best through their online activity.” Teachers who join the free SACAP webinar will benefit from insights and practical tips including: Understanding media and social media literacy and how to include this learning in conversations with teens; Developing school social media policies that protect teens while also promoting development; Assisting teens in leveraging social media for positive impact such as the Greta Thunberg effect when it comes to responsible social activism; And, promoting mindfulness around social media use and screen time habits Join SACAP to explore this thought-provoking theme by registering here for free or go to www.sacap.edu.za/events/ Teacher’s Webinar – Social Media and Adolescent Identity Saturday, 18 September 10h00 to 11h00

September 13, 2021
Parenting Hub

A Roundup of the Best Social Media Jobs

Social media jobs are on the rise. Giving way to new fields of endeavor and creating new avenues for professional development, there’s never been a better time to profit from being social online. As social media evolves, so do the professional standards and certifications associated with the roles it creates. But what do these jobs entail, and what does it take to get a foot in the door? From managing social communications to creating digital content, the sky is the limit! Join Adzuna as we explore the best social media jobs! Growth Opportunities for Social Media Jobs Social media careers and the potential surrounding them are booming. Every business in every industry needs to connect with its audiences, and social media is one of the best ways to do just that. CNNMoney added social media jobs to their Top 100 careers, and according to LinkedIn, there are 1357% more social media jobs on the platform today than in 2010. And since social media has changed the way businesses interact with their consumers, the boom in the industry won’t be temporary. There will be a growing and permanent need for social media experts for the foreseeable future. A Note on Salaries in Social Media Careers Several factors influence social media salaries. These include: Experience Whether you work for an agency, private company, or as an independent contractor Your location Your position and role Naturally, chief marketing officers for major brands make much, much more than entry-level social media employees that curate data for client feeds. However, social media jobs do pay well. Compared to most other marketing roles, social media opportunities tend to offer much more earning opportunities. To give you an idea of what each kind of social media role generally offers regarding salary, Adzuna compared its stats to those of PayScale.  4 Popular Social Media Jobs Social Media Director Social media directors are responsible for SM (social media) strategies and the management of SM teams. If you land this role, you might have to post content to various social channels and work with a set schedule. Creating content and overseeing editors is also part of the job of an SM director. These roles are suitable for professionals that can create a “voice” for their brands. They’re expected to know more about social media than most other people within the organization. Average Salary: R170,000 per year Social Media Influencer Influencers typically have large online followings and are highly engaged with their audiences in order to impact their purchasing decisions. To get your foot in the door, you’ll need to prove that you’re established on the web. You might also need some expertise on a particular platform like Instagram or Facebook and have the ability to create unique content. Interpersonal skills are also highly beneficial in these roles. Average Salary: Highly dependent on follower base and activity on social media channels. Social Media Strategist Also known as SM specialists, strategists watch social media trends and integrate them into their business strategies. You’ll need a year or more of experience in the field to land a role as an SM strategist, along with other core skills like knowledge of algorithms and analytic processes. Unlike influencers, strategists need expertise on almost all social media platforms, not just one. You’ll also need to create SM strategies for different online platforms, develop promotions and interact with audiences, and analyse analytics to discover the efficacy of marketing campaigns. Average Salary: R342,000 per year Community Manager Social media savvy individuals with an edge and a robust and loyal following can help brands build a presence online. Community managers are passionate about driving audience engagement and assisting brands in succeeding in the digital realm. These professionals essentially become the face of the company their work with. They oversee everything from social media marketing to content creation and even customer relations. To get into this role, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to develop intelligent strategies. You’ll also need to showcase your ability to create content and handle communications for the company. Average salary: R267,231 per year In Conclusion Who says the internet doesn’t do one good? If you’ve got social media skills, you can turn them into a profession. With a bit of practice and patience, you can turn your passion into an income by simply showing off your social media savvy! The field is growing at a breakneck pace, and if you’re adaptable and agile, the room is abundant for growth within it. If you’re quick on your feet and have a good understanding of human behaviour along with a passion for the latest marketing trends and tech, a career in social media can be your ideal match.

September 9, 2021
Parenting Hub

Yoto lands in South Africa Retailers

Yoto, an audio platform developed specifically for kids and the brand behind the critically acclaimed and award-winning Yoto Player, has landed in South Africa. The Yoto Player, a carefully connected screen-free, Bluetooth speaker box provides safe, educational entertainment for children and is now available across the country at selected Toys R Us stores, iStores and a branded store on Takealot, South Africa’s leading online store.  Yoto Player is designed to safely give children full control over their listening experience, by entertaining and educating them while reducing screen-time. Yoto Player is controlled using physical cards that are inserted into the Player which plays audio content – helping to reduce excessive screen-time, giving children access to entertaining content without removing the joy of using technology for fun, learning and imaginative play.  The Yoto smartphone app gives parents easy control of settings and content management. The free-to-download app also contains a selection of free content available to all and allows families to link the audio to Bluetooth speakers, including in the car for on-the-go entertainment. Additionally, Yoto’s content cards have the ability to play content through the app by simply tapping the card to the back of a smartphone.  “We landed in the United States in June last year, and now our breakthrough into other regions and markets will further enable Yoto to globally service and inspire the next generation of creative, independent minds through audio,” said Ben Drury, CEO and co-founder of Yoto. “Every day we are inspired by children from all around the world, and with Yoto we are able to provide parents with peace of mind and children with access to a world of curated audio content.”  Yoto Player is available for purchase at a recommended retail price of R2499. The Yoto smartphone app is available to download for free on iOS or Android.  About Yoto Born in the U.K., Yoto is an audio platform that introduces children to a world of stories, music, educational activities, sound effects, podcasts and radio. Founders Ben Drury and Filip Denker were inspired by Montessori principles to create a screen-free audio device that kids could safely control themselves; they called it Yoto Player. And in a bid to offer audio that will inspire the next generation of independent creative minds, Yoto is investing in content that promotes mindfulness, meditation, and sleep among children.  Since launching the new Yoto Player in early 2020, Yoto has experienced explosive growth, securing partnerships and content deals with trusted household names such as LEGO and Disney as well as licenses with Penguin Random House, Abbey Road Studios, Sony Music, HarperCollins, Hachette, Pan Macmillan and more. Yoto’s extensive and ever-expanding content library is packed with some of the world’s greatest children’s content including The Magic Far Away Tree (Trilogy), The Gruffalo, The Wishing Chair (Trilogy), with Frozen, Finding Nemo and many more household names to be released in the coming months.  Now available worldwide, Yoto has been shortlisted for several awards including Design Week, ISDA IDEA, Core 77, Fast Co., D&AD, Dezeen, Junior Design, and Mother & Baby while being included in several Top Product lists. In November 2020, Yoto Player was named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2020.

September 9, 2021
Parenting Hub

Early learning brand PlayShifu makes foray into South Africa

Tech toys loved by children, educators, and parents in over 35 countries will now be available in iStore, Takealot, and ToysRUs PlayShifu, an award-winning early learning brand, announced its launch in South Africa through the distributor Core Group. The brand’s innovative educational tech toys cover a wide range of essential skills, STEM, STEAM, and beyond, a solution that every parent of Gen Alpha child is looking for.  Founded in 2016 by two doting fathers on a mission to turn around unhealthy screen time into meaningful time, PlayShifu currently sells in more than 35 markets across the world. PlayShifu toys have been designed to provide innovative, phygital interactions that combine hands-on physical play with fun and interactive digital games. The brand has 12 unique offerings on three product lines – Orboot, Plugo, and Tacto.  Orboot by PlayShifu  Orboot is a series of first-ever AR educational globes, Earth, Dinos and Mars, encourages children to learn through thousands of facts and hours of game-based exploration.  Orboot Earth lets children travel through every nook and corner of our planet and learn scores of facts about wildlife, cultures, cuisines, monuments, maps, and much more. Orboot Dinos brings alive dinosaurs in 3D. Children can learn about evolutionary traits, explore habitats, and see what their favourite dinosaurs looked like up close. Orboot Mars inspires children to discover the Red Planet through the Mars missions that have brought in-depth knowledge of our neighbouring planet.  Plugo by PlayShifu  Plugo is a STEM gaming system powered by AR. It consists of one Gamepad and four interchangeable gaming kits that work with one companion app. Plugo makes learning fun and engaging for children, whether mathematics, vocabulary, problem-solving or logical reasoning.  The Plugo universe comprises Letters (word building kit), Count (hands-on math kit), Link (building blocks kit), and Tunes (music learning kit). Each kit comes with multiple games with hundreds of levels in the app that adapt to the child’s grade.  Tacto by PlayShifu  Tacto is the first-ever phygital board game platform that uses tablets, innovative touch technology, and AI to reimagine board games. Tacto uses real figurines to drive the games on screen and adds immense richness, variety, and storytelling to the experience. Tacto has 6 different game sets – Classics, Chess, Coding, Laser, Electronics, and Dinos. The experience unlocks a world of foundational skills for early learners like strategic thinking, reasoning, analytical thinking and more.  PlayShifu products start at R899 and can be purchased from, iStore, Takealot, and Toys’R’Us. Designed for ages 4 to 12, all the product platforms are supported by free to download apps that work with a range of devices on iOS and Android. 

September 1, 2021
Wingu Academy

The devastating effects of cyberbullying in South Africa

The devastating effects of Cyberbullying in South Africa and how Wingu Academy protects and supports Wingu students. Did you know that South Africa has the fourth highest rate of cyberbullying worldwide according to a global survey by YouGov? The survey found that one out of every five teens fall prey to cyberbullying and 84% of classmates know of someone who have been victimized. Sadly, with the rise of the digital age becoming a necessary part in our lives, it’s no surprise that this form of bullying has become one of the biggest concerns for both parents and students who suffer and have to deal with the devastating, often life-long effects. But what exactly is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is any form of bullying that takes place online including on platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and gaming chat rooms. Young people today are increasingly exposed to many different tools and apps. Thus, it is very easy to produce videos, memes, manipulated photos, or even simple text messages with degrading comments and name calling. Trolling and cyberstalking of online profiles is also rapidly on the rise. According to the South African College of Applied Psychology victims feel isolated, ashamed, hopeless and depressed wondering if the situation will ever change.  They are desperately looking for a way out which often leads to thoughts and attempts of suicide. This form of abuse influences a child’s identity, self-worth and often leads to long term effects like the inability to form meaningful and sustainable relationships. Not to mention trust issues and even mental health issues. Parents often don’t know because the victims don’t tell them. They feel ashamed and don’t want their parents to get involved as it would worsen the abuse. What are the main signs parents should look out for if they suspect that their child is a victim of cyberbullying? If a child’s mood or behavior suddenly changes drastically, from being socially interactive to being depressed, anxious and isolated. If they start hiding their devices and/or no longer allow you access to their social media accounts. If their academic performance drastically decreases. If they avoid any form of social interaction. What can parents do to help and support their children? According to Dr Serahani Symington, Child and Adolescent Counsellor and Play Therapy Specialist, the following approach is recommended. It’s critically important to have an open relationship where your child feels safe to express their feelings, concerns and problems. Don’t overreact and stay calm during the discussion. Don’t tell your child to simply ignore the situation as it’s very real to them. They have the need for the abuse to be acknowledged. Ask your child what their immediate need is.  Is it to provide comfort or a solution? Co-create a solution with your child to make them feel safe, secure and empowered to handle the situation. Don’t retaliate. Rather address the issue with the school and not with the bully or his/her parents. Never invite the bully into your home, your child’s safe space, to resolve the issue. Monitor and spot check your child’s devices with the narrative that it’s for their own protection and not because you don’t trust them. Look at the ratings, age-restrictions and if possible, experience the games and apps your child interacts with for yourself to look for possible pitfalls and warning signs that could put your child in danger. How does Wingu Academy protect and support parents and students against cyberbullying? “At Wingu Academy we have a zero-tolerance policy against any form of bullying. Our Wellness Hub offers counselling and support to students and parents. By following a holistic approach of creating a culture of inclusivity and high moral values we teach our students to respect their fellow students,” says Managing Director Ian Strydom. Wingu Academy’s Cyberbullying Policy also offers guidelines to students to protect them. Some of the recommendations include: Do not answer abusive messages but save them and report them to the Student Mentor. Do not delete anything until it has been shown to your parents/carers or a member of staff at Wingu Academy (even if it is upsetting, the material is important evidence which may need to be used later as proof of cyberbullying). Do not give out personal details or contact information without the permission of a parent/guardian (personal data). Be careful who you allow to become a friend online and think about what information you want them to see. Protect your password. Do not share it with anyone else and change it regularly. Always log off from the computer when you have finished or if you leave the computer for any reason. Always put the privacy filters on to the sites you use. Never reply to abusive messages. Never reply to someone you do not know. Always stay in public areas in chat rooms. Article by Melanie Foxcroft from MF Consulting. Mobile: +27 82 650 3414 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mfconsulting.co.za

August 31, 2021
Parenting Hub

The Best Jobs for Introverts

Have you ever explored jobs for introverts? We’re guessing that’s not exactly a search term you use in your job hunting efforts. But for every kind of personality, there’s a career path that matches characteristics and meets personal and professional goals. Some people thrive in roles that demand daily interaction with others. But others might find this way too draining. If you’re not exactly an extrovert, it might be hard finding a job that plays to your strengths and leaves you feeling energised at the end of the day. But rest assured, there are plenty of amazing careers for people like you! Understanding the Introvert Personality Before we get to the juicy part of this article and list the best jobs for introverts, it’s worth exploring the ins and outs of the introverted personality. Introverts thrive in solitude. This means that social situations can be exhausting for the introverted professional, often necessitating the need for resting and recharging after extended periods of social interaction. Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not shy. They can be, but introversion is not the same thing as shyness. Introverts can still feel confident and comfortable in the presence of others, but they need to pay attention to preserving and conserving their energy when they’re socialising. Why Are Certain Roles Better Suited for Introverts? The best kind of jobs for introverts are the ones that allow them to work independently. Roles with clear expectations, structure, and opportunity for creativity allow these personality types to thrive in the workplace. Even though every job requires some level of social interaction with others, it doesn’t mean introverts can’t flourish. As long as their employers value work-life balance, the opportunities for recharging when they need it should be sufficient. With that being said, join Adzuna as we explore the best career opportunities for introverted personalities! #1 – Content Marketing Manager Content marketing managers develop and execute the content strategies of marketing teams. The verticals they manage can include social media, video, digital, print, and audio content. Working in this role will require you to have a deep understanding of your target audience to drive brand awareness and engagement with your customers. Even though you might be in charge of managing other team members, it’s still an excellent fit for an introvert because there’s a balance of collaborative and independent work. To get into a content marketing management role, you might need a degree. But many companies are more interested in experience in content development and promotion. If you’re fluent in all things content and have a proven track record, you should be able to get your foot in the door. #2 – Editor If you can take a piece of writing from the idea phase through to the working draft and get it ready for publication, a career in editing might just be your ideal fit. Editors are responsible for making suggestions for writing improvements and correcting any grammatical or spelling errors. Many editors partner with writers and other editorial team members to strategise, but the main task of the editing process is a solitary activity, which is ideal for introverts. If you’re keen on becoming an editor, you need a solid foundation in writing, including narrative, style, structure, and grammar. Many editors start as writers, and the majority of them also have degrees in journalism. If you’ve got a degree in English or communications or any other related field, it should be enough to help you land your dream editing job. #3 – Software Engineer We all have images in our heads of how IT employees lead solitary lives, and when it comes to software engineering, that image isn’t too far off the target. Software engineers develop various types of software, and these professionals are problem solvers of note. After identifying potential problems, they design, test, and build software that solves the problem at hand. Since most software engineering tasks include coding, testing, and fixing bugs, much of the work is solo. But software engineers also need to collaborate with their teams from time to time. To get into this field, you might need a specific degree, but your potential employee might be much more focused on your coding skills, which is why you’ll have to sit through a technical interview as part of the hiring process. #4 – Graphic Designer From logos to marketing materials, product packaging, and digital assets, graphic designers develop a brand’s visual assets. Most graphic designers are experts in various design techniques, but most specialize in a specific area like logo design. As a graphic designer, you can work for a company, a design studio that works with various clients, or as an independent (freelance) contractor. If you fancy a career as a graphic designer, you’ll have to collaborate with clients and other team members, so you’re always clear on what’s expected with every project. But aside from a few meetings here and there, you’ll be free to work independently, which is a win for introverts. The best graphic designers are super creative and have a firm grasp of a variety of design programs.  You’ll generally gain these skills and experience through degree programs or online learning platforms. #5 – IT Specialist IT Specialists maintain and manage the internal processes and products of the company they work for. This can include troubleshooting, installing and updating hardware and software, and ensuring that everything within the IT department runs smoothly. IT specialists work with other employees to identify problems and answer all questions related to information technology. But there’s also a lot of solo work at play when managing IT systems and fixing any issues. Most companies require IT specialists to hold an IT degree, but some companies hire on skills and experience. This means that you don’t necessarily need a degree to get your foot in the door. As long as you understand IT systems are experienced in the industry, you’re good to go. #6 – Data Scientist Like many other roles within

August 30, 2021
Parenting Hub

Go on… make the Switch!

If you are anything like me, you like when a product works seamlessly from one device to another. And while this may be a small feature, it really can make life a little easier.  Imagine a life where you can ask your child to immediately disconnect their console from the TV because your favourite show is starting and there are no ooohhhsss or ahhhhh’s because he can continue playing? This is what makes the Nintendo Switch an easy Switch to make.  One of the core features of the Nintendo Switch is being able to continue playing no matter what!  Your child will be able to switch from the TV and then comfortably to the hand-held console, even to splitting the console up and playing with a friend. Yup that’s right… the Joy-Con (controller) can be split so that friends can play too. By turning your Joy-Con into two units, either party is able to play with either side or with motion control games, one is able to use the Joy-Con much like a Wii remote.  However, if you want to purchase another Joy-Con you certainly can. We found a large variety are available in the Nintendo Online Store which makes the experience even more personal.  So how many ways can you play? The Nintendo Switch is a “hybrid” console that can be used at home on a TV, and also as a portable console.  #1 TV Mode Your gaming experience can start on your television when connected via an HDMI cable. The unique configuration allows the Nintendo Switch to adopt a number of different forms. From either splitting the controller up into two separate Joy-Cons for multi-player games or keep it connected to the grip and play alone.  #2 Tabletop Mode With the Nintendo Switch built-in LCD screen one is able to either play hand held or you can detach the Joy-Con Controllers, open the stand at the back of the screen and place it on a flat surface. Perfect for when you do not have a television available.  #3 Handheld Mode Easily reattach the Joy-Cons to the unit and play hand held and when you are done simply place the Nintendo Switch in the docking unit to charge…. It has never been easier. The Joy-Con controllers snap to the sides of the tablet making the device a hand-held unit. Accessories and Games? With accessories galore from themed Joy-Cons, cases, HORIPAD and Racing Wheels, you can make your gaming experience everything you ever hoped it would be.  With the Nintendo e-Shop, one is able to purchase multiplayer games as well as Free-to-start Games. With all your favourites available in their online store, you could be bouncing around with Super Mario or taking on a Pokemon in no time!  Online Membership starts at R52 per month and there is a family membership available for up to 8 members at R459 for 12 months. This ensures that all your gaming data is safely stored to the cloud so that all those achievements unlocked are never lost. The Nintendo Switch can be connected online for a greater Nintendo Experience or download the Mobile App. The Nintendo Switch Online App is designed to enhance your online gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch.  You can view your stats, or chat to friends while racing through the streets in your game.  The App is available in both the Google Play and Apple App Stores.  Cool Features: The unit is easy to transport and with a longer life battery of between 3 and 4 hours, your child will be entertained during load shedding or even a long car trip. Can’t find your Joy-Con? No problem, activate the search for controller feature and you will locate them in no time.  The Nintendo Switch is a touch screen. Adjust the menu to dark mode… easier on the eyes for sure! See how long a player has played for. We all had so much fun playing Super Paper Mario, thank you Nintendo for helping us make the switch! This unit is certainly one of the more affordable gaming consoles at a retail price of R7999. You can purchase online at the Nintendo Online Store or at participating retailers.  Included in the box: 2x Joy-Cons (left and right) with built-in rechargeable battery  Nintendo Switch console  Nintendo Switch AC adapter  Nintendo Switch dock A Joy-Con grip  Joy-Con strap  High speed HDMI cable  Hand held remote Paper Mario- The Origami king Nintendo’s Paper Mario – The Origami King – is a fun game for individuals aged seven and above. The game centres around Mario and his new friend Olivia.  They are tasked with stopping Olivia’s brother, Olly, who is the Origami King. Olly has folded Princess Peach and many other characters into origami shapes.  The only exception is the toads, which Mario and Olivia save throughout the game. The main objective of Mario and Olivia is to remove various coloured streamers that enclose Princess Peach’s Castle and which will lead them to Olly.  Each streamer level provides a fun new task for the player to go through.  As they go through each level, they are able to unlock Vellumentals, which are a group of god-like creatures found in their own Vellumental Shrines and Temples. To gain the ability to use Vellumentals, players need to defeat each of them throughout the game on each different streamer level.  A Bibliofold will eventually be revealed to the player.  This contains instructions for Olivia on origami folding. This will allow Olivia to Transform into a Vellumental through the corresponding magic circle.  The magic circle will allow Mario to also use the elemental powers during a Boss battle and even waive battles where the enemy has a magic circle above its head.  As well as collecting toads through the game, Mario and Olivia also collect confetti.  They are tasked with repairing the broken world by using the confetti that they collect throughout the game.  Once each streamer level is complete the confetti intake of the bag will increase. The increase

August 27, 2021
Syllabis Learning

Power Tips on Creating the Perfect Homeschool Environment

With the changes that we have all faced over the last seventeen months, now more than ever before, parents find themselves having to manage their children’s virtual and or home-based education. Despite the many benefits of homeschooling, at-home learning can be challenging for both parents and students. Challenges like creating order and structure in a home learning environment can lead to frustration and even cause students to fall behind on assignments or learning objectives. Your child’s curriculum has many moving parts—and if you have more than one child, that complexity only increases.  Teaching your children at home can be an immensely rewarding experience. One of the reasons that many parents choose to homeschool their kids is that they believe they can provide a better education for their children than a public or private school. To provide an outstanding education for your children, you will need to provide an environment that fosters learning. We can help you to keep your kids on track and successfully navigate the ins and outs of independent learning with the following tips. Create a designated learning space  While it can be tempting to set up shop at the dining room table or on the couch, these areas aren’t the most conducive to learning. Creating a dedicated learning space can make it easier for children to concentrate on schoolwork. Consider a room that is large and open that has natural light. This dedicated space should be used for schoolwork and no outside activities. It would be best if this room is used solely for schooling otherwise may find that your children lose focus if they have distractions around them. Not all kids like to sit in a chair all day, so perhaps offer different seating options in the room to make the space more comfortable for those who want to sit on the floor or a beanbag chair. You could also offer yoga balls for deskwork. Follow a daily schedule Homeschooling brings a wonderful level of flexibility and spontaneity to a child’s education. However, without a clear structure, it can be easy to get distracted and go off track. Kids thrive when they have a basic structure and routine. Creating a daily schedule will be hugely beneficial in giving your child direction and structure. You can always adapt this schedule as you go along. Pick a system that works for you. Your schedule can be as detailed or as relaxed as you want. The key is having some set routine and structure for you and your child to follow so you can both stay on track. Use Technology Technology plays a considerable role in education, and access to it will make homeschooling that much easier. It enables you to become more productive, efficient, and better communicate with other people. It is, therefore, essential to include the necessities in your homeschool environment. A computer, laptop or tablet, digital calendars, and task managers will be extremely helpful in managing time and progress. Time trackers and cloud-based folders like Dropbox or Google Drive will also be helpful. Information is at our fingertips with internet access so your child will have the ability to research topics and collect information with ease. Map out the school year ahead of time Map out your school year to track progress on your goals and plan out big projects. Breaking up big goals and projects into smaller steps makes them more manageable and you’re less likely to let details fall through the cracks. Setting goals and visualizing your plans can help you stay organized and see your progress at a glance, which makes targets more reachable and less overwhelming. Take learning beyond the classroom One of the best parts of homeschooling, and one of its greatest advantages, is the flexibility to learn outside a traditional classroom setting. Make time for these opportunities in your daily schedule and keep an open mind. Outdoor spaces are excellent learning places for exploring new skills, meeting new people, and experiencing through play. Always look for learning opportunities beyond the classroom and be open-minded about the benefit of learning through a practical example.  Collaborate with other homeschoolers It is important to know that you are not in this alone, there are rich and diverse homeschool communities all around the world. It is important and beneficial to connect with other homeschoolers in your area or online to collaborate and share resources. This will not only make the schooling process easier for you, but it will also enrich your child’s experience and expand their educational opportunities in and out of your home. Communicating with other homeschoolers also provides important social opportunities for your child. Leave Time for Breaks It is difficult to work for extended times without a break. When your kids start to get restless or hungry it is a good idea to schedule regular breaks. Morning snack breaks and afternoon exercise breaks allow your kids to get a good balance of work and chill time. scheduling them into your day. While some children might require frequent short breaks, others might like only one or two longer breaks. Read your children and let them help create your schedule in this matter. Learning need not be boring, and neither does your homeschool environment. Always consider what your kids like, who they are, and what are their interests, ideas, distractions, and sources of inspiration to come up with a suitable learning space.

August 23, 2021
FYI Play it Safe

The app that alerts parents of harmful online interactions gets an upgrade

FYI play it safe has announced an update to their app, which alerts parents about their children’s online conversations and searches when the app detects potentially harmful events. These events include potential signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicide or when children engage in adult content. South African based, FYI play it safe empowers parents with valuable detailed information, which enables them to reach out to their children and speak about the danger they might be in. Additionally, parents are presented with an overview of their child’s online activities.  “In the latest release of FYI play it safe, we have the ability to update our monitoring software within minutes of any new apps being released, which may attract the attention of our tweens and teenagers,” said Rachelle Best, CEO and Founder of FYI play it safe. “In this release, we now distinguish between priority applications, which we monitor more closely and “blacklisted” applications we believe pose an even bigger risk to children. The first category includes the use of chat apps, social media accounts or internet browsers, where we will zoom into the details of what is being said and commented on. In the second category, we believe that parents should know when their children engage with the app, regardless of the content. Typical examples of these are where children use anonymous chat apps, talking to strangers or apps which can expose them to adult and inappropriate content,” continued Best. Privacy is top priority and the relevant measures have been put in place for both parents and their children who subscribe to the app. FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather a complimentary layer of added security for parents of children between the ages of 8 and 16.  “While tweens and teenagers are focused on having fun and meeting new friends online, parents need to balance the tension between respecting their children’s privacy and navigating the risks presented by social media platforms, gaming and anonymous chat rooms plus search engine content.” concluded Best.  Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process.

August 10, 2021
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Digital Covid Hub drives education and vaccinations

The 3rd wave of Covid-19, which is predominantly the Delta variant, is having a major impact on our healthcare system with reports of hospital admissions being significantly higher than during waves 1 and 2. ‘We can attest to this by the ongoing monitoring and analysis provided by our actuarial teams’, says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund.  ‘In 2020 we had a total of 8 111 members hospitalised due to Covid-19 as opposed to 7 815 over the past six months.’ Covid Hub – education for everyone ‘At the outset of the pandemic, 18 months ago, we created an informative and educational Covid-19 hub to create a reliable source of information and to educate and empower our members,’ explains Callakoppen. ‘The information includes helping identify symptoms, providing guidelines on how and where to be tested and receive treatment.’  Recently, the Fund enhanced and bolstered this centralised, digital Covid-19 information hub and made it accessible to all South Africans – www.bonitas.co.za/covid. ‘As new scientific data became available, we continued to update the hub, highlighting key topics such as safety protocols, the different types of Covid-19 tests, dispelling myths around the vaccine and explaining the difference between Covid-19, the common cold and flu. One of the key elements is the comprehensive guide to recovering from Covid-19 which includes tips for caregivers, the do’s and don’ts of Covid-19 recovery, as well as post-Covid care tips.’ ‘Now, given the increased vaccination drive and it being opened to a wider group, we have further enhanced the site to assist our members with registration and help speed up the process at Bonitas vaccination sites.’ Private vaccination sites for all To support the Department of Health’s ongoing efforts to vaccinate as many South Africans as possible, Bonitas has vaccinated over 100 000 South Africans at its private vaccination sites across the country. A quarter of whom (25 245) were Bonitas members. At present, the 50+ age groups are being vaccinated, with registration and vaccinations for 35+ now open. The 10 sites adhere to all the required safety regulations and are staffed by qualified nurses, additional sites are due to come on-line in the new few weeks.   ‘As of 13 July 2021, there were 2 031 Bonitas members in hospital, compared to 1 893 the week before and 1 598 at the end of June,’ says Callakoppen. ‘We have conducted a total of 338 981 PCR tests, 150 430 of these were between January and July 12th – with 28 097 members testing positive. This is a 44% increase over 6 months. ‘However, studies have shown that once people are vaccinated, they’re far less likely to fall seriously ill and that the vaccine provides protection against hospitalisation for the Delta variant, which is why the vaccine roll out is critical.’ This aligns with the recent statement from Dr Marian van Kerkhove of the World Health Organisation (WHO): ‘The Covid-19 situation globally is dangerous with high levels of transmission driven by four major factors. The first are these variants of concern, including the Delta variant. The second factor is that we have increased social mixing and social mobility, which increases the number of contacts that individuals have. The third factor is the relaxation or the inappropriate use of public health and social measures. Proven public health and social measures that we know prevent infections, reduce the spread of somebody who is infected with the virus to others and save lives. And the fourth factor is the uneven and inequitable distribution of vaccines.’ Herd immunity Vaccinating as many people as soon as possible remains a priority if we are to minimise the impact of Covid-19.  To achieve herdimmunity, the South Africa’s Department of Health is aiming to vaccinate 67% of the country’s population – this equates to around 41 million people.  ‘It’s heartening to learn that vaccine acceptance is growing in South Africa, with the latest Covid-19 study revealing that 76% of the population are willing to be vaccinated.  The daily average number of doses administered over the past week – counting only weekdays between Monday and Friday – amounts to 150 000 – reaching a total of just over 5 million with 1,67 million South Africans having received both doses.  This means 2.9% of the population is fully vaccinated.  Plans are in place to ramp this up over the next few weeks, which will include sites being open over weekends and to widen the groups being vaccinated. Educate and vaccinate In collaboration with service providers and employer groups, the Fund’s private vaccination sites also promote key Covid-19 messages, with take home educational leaflets that can be shared. ‘In addition, we have begun the process of opening vaccination facilities at major scheme employer sites, such as Eskom,’ says Callakoppen. ‘We are continually engaging with corporates to improve the support we provide.’ Identified high-risk beneficiaries are also being supported through various initiatives, including disease management interventions, home-based care and medicine supplies where required.  QR Code replaces forms  ‘Complaints about queues and waiting times at some sites have been taken into consideration,’ says Callakoppen. ‘We have streamlined the process for members by providing access to a QR code, upon registration on the EVDS and our portal. This means that they are scanned upon arrival, eliminating any delay by having to fill in forms – allowing for a smooth and efficient process.’ Registration should still be done via the Government website on https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za and everyone must remember to take along their unique token, ID document or passport to the vaccinations site. If you’re on a medical aid, make sure you have your medical aid card with you.  ‘We need to remain on high alert about the pandemic,’ warns Callakoppen.  ‘It may be day 477 but we cannot afford to be complacent. We must all play our part to stay safe, which means following the protocols and getting vaccinated.   ‘The vaccination process is a key focus area for us, along with education. We will continue to use our Hub (available at www.bonitas.co.za/covid) as a central resource for factual information. A

August 3, 2021
Syllabis Learning

The Wonderful New way of Learning

Traditional approaches to education are no longer relevant in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With the pace of change accelerating in the 21st century, a key requirement to thrive is lifelong learning and the ability to acquire new skills quickly.  How can “learning to learn” and the ability to be continually reinventing oneself be fostered in children from a young age? It starts with recognizing that the world is changing faster than ever before. To prepare children for the future, parents need to be forward-looking and re-access the type of education that your child needs in this day and age. In today’s world of artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, you must prepare children for uncertainty and promote agility and adaptability. This requires a reorientation from early childhood education through to university.  It means encouraging flexibility rather than specialization. Parents and children need to completely reimagine education. Instead of learning to memorize facts and figures, students need to “learn how to learn” and how to solve problems. They should be allowed to learn independently, which means that changes are needed at every level. We must infuse things like entrepreneurship into the curriculum because with the disruption we are experiencing in society, many individuals will need to be able to create their own jobs.  We may end up in a world in which people are more likely to be autonomous contractors rather than having a secure job that lasts for a lifetime as our parents and grandparents had. We need to completely reframe the system of education based on where the world is going, instead of repeating the same failing patterns that are no longer applicable in the new world we are living in.  Education has always been seen as merely the first twelve to fifteen years of your childhood, It needs to be re-identified as a lifelong opportunity, as we truly never stop learning. Working on projects for real organizations, going out into your community, and understanding real-life challenges that people are facing helps you to shape your learning into experiences that you will benefit from throughout your life. These experiences cannot be learned from a textbook but rather by looking at the world head-on. Education has historically been what one can call “Just in case education”, which gives you all kinds of facts and figures just in case it may become relevant to you. But today what we need is “just in time education,” which has three main characteristics:  It never stops. Education is lifelong, we always hold the opportunity to learn. It is focused on learning how to learn and learning how to solve problems. You learn independently outside of the traditional classroom, you learn from projects, from playing, from mentors, from experiments, and in a variety of other ways.  Instead of giving students a menu of academic disciplines, we should rather present them with a menu of problems and challenges that the world is facing. So, when we ask students to declare a mission and not a major, we are saying: “Pick a problem you want to solve and build your learning around that.” It is about giving a purpose to learning and not just learning for learning’s sake. It is about creating problem solvers because problem-solving will always be relevant even as the world changes. When a machine makes your job obsolete – if you are a problem solver, you will still have relevance in the world.  How can your child be his or her own teacher? From the moment a child is born, they have a raging desire to learn, and we believe that if you just follow their lead, provide them with a rich environment, give them the undivided time and attention of the people who care about them the most and encourage their efforts, they will not only learn but exceed all expectations Students have the capability of teaching themselves which makes teachers unnecessary for independent homeschooling.  Kids are born with a love of learning. And strategies like repeated testing and flaunting failure stifle a child’s desire to learn The secret to motivating your child is to always let them know that how great you believe they are and remind them that they have the potential to achieve anything.  At Syllabis Learning we strive to ensure each student has everything they need within their grasp, creating an environment that enables the child to reach their full potential. We provide all you need to give your child a safe and secure learning environment. We offer a guided program, a roadmap of studies to meet each child’s learning objectives. All our content is written and developed by qualified teachers and curriculum experts. Syllabis Learning offers a refreshing new choice to the learner of the digital age. 

August 3, 2021
Syllabis Learning

Why Homeschool with Syllabis?

From the moment a child is born they have a raging desire to learn, and we believe that if you just follow their lead, provide them with a rich environment, give them the undivided time and attention of the people who care about them the most, and encourage their efforts, they will not only learn, but exceed all expectations. We are all a product of our schooling experiences and in teaching our children we sometimes unwittingly make the same mistakes schools make. Schools arrange for kids to fail. Do you remember how the teachers always caught your mistakes and rarely, if ever caught your successes?  And what about tests? Tests are given to reveal not how knowledgeable we are, but how ignorant we are. The school system is set up so that no matter what you do, you lose. Kids are born with a love of learning. And strategies like repeated testing and flaunting failure stifle a child’s desire to learn. If you want a kid to hate something – be sure to point out all the ways in which he doesn’t measure up. Don’t you agree that most of us avoid doing things that we don’t do well. On the other hand, when we do something well, people notice and give us praise. Our reaction to their praise is believing that we are good at it, and with this boost in confidence we are ready to do it over and over again. Success produces high motivation! The secret to motivating your kid is to always let them know that how great you believe they are and remind them that they have the potential to achieve anything. At Syllabis Learning we strive to ensure each student has everything they need within their grasp, creating an environment that enables the child to reach their potential. We provide all you need to give your child a safe and secure learning environment. We offer a guided program or roadmap of studies to meet each child’s learning objectives. All of our content is written and developed by qualified teachers and curriculum experts. Syllabis Home Education offers a refreshing new choice to the learner of the digital age. Our component based learning plans empower students of all ages  to successfully complete a home based education in a distance learning like environment. It is like having your own virtual school right in your hands. The curriculum consists of a blended mix between online lessons, textbooks, study plans and practical projects and assignments. We present study material to the learner in a simple, concise and understandable way and we provide tangible, creative and technological materials to enhance the learning experience. Our educational material is flexible and easy to use. Give your child the independence they crave, as they progress at their own pace, and because very little parental assistance is required, our curriculum works great if you’re homeschooling more than one child. Our curriculum gives the child the freedom to be flexible.  Self-paced means student-paced and Syllabis students have the ability to work as much as they want every day, which aligns perfectly for a successful homeschooling experience.  We provide everything you and your child need to make is easy to be and stay organized and on top of your learning objectives. Homeschooling is a most suitable way to raise and educate children. Trust the children. Trust yourselves. Embrace the magic, after all the magic is in the child.

July 29, 2021
Vital Baby

SHOP VITAL BABY ONLINE AND OUR TOP PICKS FOR EXPECTING MOMS

We heard your suggestion and we have delivered – you can now shop for your favourite Vital Baby items online at www.vitalbabyshop.co.za From breast-pads to bottles, from sterilizers to thermometers, Vital Baby has everything an expecting mother could possibly require. Take a look at a few of our best seller items across the website. vital baby® NURTURE™ Easy Latch Newborn Starter Set Included in the pack:  2x vital baby® NURTURE™ breast like feeding bottle 150ml, cap and collar 2x vital baby® NURTURE™ breast like feeding bottle 240ml, cap and collar 4x vital baby® NURTURE™ breast like teat slow flow 1x vital baby® newborn 100% silicone soother 1x non-scratch bottle & teat brush vital baby® NURTURE™ breast like feeding bottles are: Expertly designed to mimic mum’s breast, the teat flexes like mum’s nipple, providing easy latch on. Advanced triple anti-colic valves to reduce air intake. Silicone is soft and smooth against baby’s delicate face. Wide neck bottle is easy to clean and fill. BPA-free. A range of teats with varying flow rates to keep up with your growing baby is available.  For hygiene and safety reasons, it is recommended that the teats should be replaced at regular intervals. vital baby® NURTURE™ Flexcone™ Electric Breast Pump 1x vital baby® NURTURE™ flexcone™ electric breast pump The vital baby® NURTURE™ flexcone™ electric breast pump together with it’s very soft silicone breast cup and flexcone™ provides gentle cushioning around your breast and mimics the suckling action of your baby to provide the most natural and effective breast milk expression ever! With 9 different speed settings to give ultimate control, the vital baby® NURTURE™ flexcone™ electric breast provides a uniquely tailored feeding experience. The simple touch panel control is easy to use and quick to operate.  It is discreet, quiet, lightweight and portable for total convenience. Perfect for use when at home or away; cordless operation with the built-in rechargeable battery, or plug in with the USB cable included – the choice is mum’s! vital baby® NURTURE™ Easy Pour Breastmilk Storage Bags The unique design of our easy pour breast milk storage bag makes it simple to fill, store and easy to transport.   The leak proof secure seal ensures no milk is lost when storing breast milk in the fridge or freezer and the wide neck and free-standing base of each storage bag makes it easy to fill.  Simply remove the pre-perforated tab when you are ready to fill the bag, then pour in your freshly expressed breast milk with ease, and securely lock the freshness into the bag with the easy use zip fastener.  It’s as simple as that! When you are ready to use the stored breast milk, there is a special easy-pour spout.  You re-open the bag by simply cutting along the dotted line, ensuring that your valuable breast milk does not pour over the sealing zip which may have been handled during filling.  Our breast milk storage bag avoids possible contamination and maintains a high standard of hygiene, easily and effortlessly. vital baby® PROTECT™ Contactless Thermometer Quick, accurate and super simple to use, our multi-use 4 in 1 infra-red contactless thermometer detects the temperature in just 2 seconds and gives the result on its large fever alert colour changing, digital display. Choose which mode you need to give you ultimate peace of mind during the day, night or even at bath or feeding times! Learn more about Vital Baby on http://www.vitalbabyshop.co.za or follow them on social media at @vitalbabysa.

July 29, 2021
Syllabis Learning

10 Notable People Who Were homeschooled

In an age where more students are receiving an education and graduating than ever before it is interesting to take note that education is finally evolving into something far more exciting. Along with the education of teachers, learning tools and teaching techniques have also changed significantly with the digital revolution. There is finally a drive to incorporate technology, mobile devices, and independent learning into the student curriculum. If the thought of homeschooling concerns you then perhaps reading about 15 notable people who were homeschooled will begin to change your view on independent learning and this revolutionary method of schooling. Thomas Edison Thomas Edison is one of the most famous and productive inventors of all time with almost 1000 patents in his name, including the electric light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera. He became a self-made multimillionaire even though he was considered a difficult child at the school he attended so at the age of 7 his mother removed him from school and taught him at home. Alexander Graham Bell Bell was homeschooled until the age of 11 before enrolling in a traditional school. Despite his poor grades at school Bell went on to be a noted inventor and held more than a dozen patents. Albert Einstein Although he was named time magazine’s “Man of the Century,” Albert Einstein was not an “Einstein” in school. The Nobel Prize-winning physicist, famous for his theory of relativity and contributions to quantum theory and statistical mechanics, dropped out of high school at age 15 to continue his education independently. Teddy Roosevelt The 26th US president, leader of The Rough Riders and inspiration for the teddy bear, Teddy Roosevelt was born to a family of fourteen children. Roosevelt and his siblings suffered from a variety of physical ailments, and as a result, were home-schooled. The children were taught by their mother, aunt, and a French governess, who did a fantastic job: Teddy was admitted to Harvard in 1878. Abraham Lincoln The remarkable 16th President of the United States known for leading the nation during the civil war and abolishing slavery is a product of homeschooling. History books did not lie when they said he was raised in a poor household by loving but unfortunately illiterate parents. Unlike the parent or private tutor-led homeschool method we know today, Lincoln had to teach himself how to read and write while also supporting his family. Proof that independent learning does rely on someone else teaching you. Leonardo da Vinci The artist behind the legendary paintings Mona Lisa and The Last Supper was a homeschooler! Da Vinci went down in history not only as a great painter but also a polymath with extensive knowledge in various fields like biology, math, architecture, and engineering. This renaissance artist was taught English, writing, and math by his father. Agatha Christie This famous mystery novelist was homeschooled by her father. She taught herself to read at just 5 years old. She wrote some 75 novels, including 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. Christie is perhaps the world’s most famous mystery writer and is one of the best-selling novelists of all time Maria Sharapova Although she was enrolled in a prestigious school at the age of 9, Maria Sharapova and her parents decided that home learning was the best choice for the athlete t continue her journey to becoming a famous tennis star. Sharapova is a brilliant example that independent learners can become well-rounded and emotionally intelligent people.  Emma Watson The bright and fearless Hermoine Granger in the Harry Potter series, as well as one of the highest-paid actresses of all time, Emma Watson was homeschooled for most of her adolescent years. Watson had to be educated by a private tutor on set along with her co-stars as she started acting professionally at age 10. Watson earned her degree in English Literature in 2014 from Brown University. Taylor Swift Singer-songwriter and ten-time Grammy award winner Taylor Swift was homeschooled from the age of 14. She chose to learn independently to accommodate her touring schedule. Homeschooling has become a popular option for numerous celebrities to allot more time to grow their showbiz careers Choosing to homeschool your kids might feel like an all-too-eccentric route to take, but you’d be surprised to find that your child is actually in good company if you choose to set him/her off on this specific path of alternative learning.

July 12, 2021
Parenting Hub

Disappearing Jobs: Professions that Won’t Exist in 10 Years

Tech is moving at a breakneck pace and disappearing jobs are becoming a bigger threat by the day . Our world is becoming more digitised by the day. We’ve already lost numerous jobs. And in just under ten years, millions more could become obsolete. A 2015 study by the Foundation for Young Australians found that up to 60% of young individuals were training or studying for jobs at risk of becoming automated within a decade. So which jobs are likely to disappear by 2030? Join Adzuna as they explore disappearing jobs and found out if your profession is at risk! Fast Disappearing Jobs Travel Agent The COVID-19 pandemic shook the travel and hospitality industry to its core. Once upon a time, booking a summer holiday was something your local travel agent bid on your behalf. But now, the abundance of comparison websites makes it easy for anyone to make their own travel plans. All you need is an internet connection and some spare time. The likes of Skyscanner and Trivago make it easy to tailor flights and hotel searches to your budget and date. The good news is that although travel agents might soon become a thing of the past, there are still plenty of jobs available in the travel industry. Bank Teller We know that banks won’t disappear altogether, but many branches will. The convenience and user-friendly nature of online baking put bank teller jobs on the risk list of disappearing jobs. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to transact and manage your bank account from the comfort of your own home. People still need to consult with financial advisors and experts, though. This means the banking sector will always be around, employing highly qualified financial staff. Textile Worker The number of employees in the textile industry has been declining for years. And this isn’t due to a lack of demand for the products. It’s due to the process changes in the way textiles are manufactured. Machines do most of the manufacturing and production these days, which means fewer opportunities for textile workers. On the upside, the move towards automation requires the input of specialist operators to work the machines. Sports Referee FIFA, soccer’s governing body, is focusing on introducing more tech into the game. Goal-line technology is now a standard in the game, and video assistant referee systems are being deployed in the European leagues. Other sports, like tennis, cricket, and rugby, have also started widely implementing the use of tech to make real-time decisions during matches. Like textile machine operators, the move to automation requires the skills of trained tech professionals to manage the tech. Telemarketer Most people (apart from telemarketers) will be relieved about this one. Unwanted sales calls aren’t being forced down the public’s throat with human voices anymore. They’re becoming more and more automated by the day. Many telemarketing companies have adopted the automated approach to reduce hiring costs and engage with customers at any time of the day. The good news is that there are still plenty of other sales-related jobs out there. Even though these roles might not be the same as telemarketing, there are still opportunities. Legal Secretary Technology has already led to the automation of more than 30,000 professions in the legal sector. Roles, including that of legal secretaries, are now classified as disappearing jobs. A Deloitte report suggests that they expect more than 114,000 legal jobs to be lost to automation over the next two decades. As the industry adopts new technologies and deploys artificial intelligence, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for entry-level admin roles in the sector. In order to stay relevant and employable, legal secretaries might have to upskill and retrain in order to work with AI and thrive in the new digital era.  In Conclusion Although the disappearing jobs we mentioned here might leave you feeling a little grim, it’s not all doom and gloom. Tech giant Dell claims that 85% of the jobs that will exist in the future haven’t been invented yet. And with the tech landscape set to become unrecognisable over the next few years, the future of work might just be abundant with all kinds of new and exciting opportunities!

July 10, 2021
Parenting Hub

TikTok, Roblox and game videos: What kids were looking for in 2020-2021

 A new Kaspersky Safe Kids study has revealed what children were interested in during 2020 – 2021. Over the past year, their interest has grown in the categories of ‘software, audio and video’ and ‘e-commerce’, while ‘Internet communication media’ and ‘computer games’ have slightly decreased. TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp are at the top of the most popular applications. At the same time, TikTok overtook Instagram with almost double the level of popularity. 2020 turned out to be one of the most unusual years for modern children. The pandemic has changed many common life situations across the globe, including education, meeting friends and family, recreation, and entertainment. Kaspersky analysed anonymised data, such as search queries, the most popular Android applications and website categories requested voluntarily provided by Kaspersky Safe Kids users, to explore how the interests and needs of children have changed under the new conditions. The most popular website categories among children in South Africa were ‘software, audio, video’ (52%), ‘Internet communication media’ (14%) and ‘computer games’ (9%). Among the most popular apps, YouTube leads by a wide margin – the service remains the most popular video streaming service among children around the world. In second place is the messenger WhatsApp, and third is the popular social network TikTok. The top list also includes games, such as Brawl Stars, Roblox, Among US and Minecraft. Children globally are very active in listening to and watching music videos on YouTube – its share is 17.35% in searches for music genres and videos. A number of ‘trend’ videos were also visible in the statistics – ‘pop it and simple dimple’ and ‘ASMR’ account for 4.43% of the queries. This year, requests related to the video game maker Gacha Life also stood out in the top ratings of children from all over the world with a share of 4%.  When it comes to music tastes, alongside traditional leaders like K-POP bands BTS and BLACKPINK, singers Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Travis Scott, another musical genre, like ‘phonk’ became popular. There is also a trend towards ‘creative’ videos – more and more requests for beats, samples and lessons on creating music in various programmes began to appear at the top of the list. At the same time, TikTok remains the main musical trendsetter for children. Cartoons account for half (50.21%) of all video searches by children around the world. The most popular ones are Lady Bug and Super Cat, Gravity Falls and Peppa Pig. In second place were various TV shows – the most frequent search in English was The Voice Kids. In movies and TV series, the most popular trailers were Godzilla vs Kong, Zach Snyder’s recent Justice League and the Disney+ mini-series WandaVision. Netflix also continues to attract the attention of more kids – the most frequent requests via the platform were for Cobra Kai and the now iconic Stranger Things. TikTok remains the undisputed leader among children, but at the same time, the perception of the social network has begun to transform. Now it is no longer only a social network for clips and lip syncs, as more educational and creative content has begun to appear on the platform. At the same time, to create TikTok videos, one person has to do the work of the operator, actor, director, and the entire film crew. All this develops skills that can not only be useful for children in the future, but could lead them to choosing it as a profession. For video games, those trending the most with children globally include Minecraft (22.84%), Fortnite (6.73%), Among Us (3.80%), Brawl Stars (6.34%) – which recently captured the attention of children and is very popular – and the much-loved Roblox game (3.82%). At the same time, the most frequently played game in the top 10 for almost all countries is Roblox. Of all the regions, it was children from Kazakhstan who became leaders in visiting sites devoted to computer games – 26.01%. In second place were children from the UK (19.40%). But we see a very different picture in India, where children hardly ever visited sites dedicated to video games from a PC (just 5.08%). “Modern children grow up with gadgets in their hands from a very young age, so they adapt to the digital space and master new technologies much faster. We see how TikTok has become one of the main trendsetters among children in a short time and continues to keep their attention. At the same time, YouTube hasn’t lost ground and remains the leader in popularity among children, in part due to the huge variety of videos, ranging from ‘let-plays’, documenting the playthrough of a video game, to educational lectures and clips. Understanding and analysing the interests of children on the Internet helps us to pay attention to the issue of safety. By knowing what kind of music a child listens to, who their favourite bloggers are or what games they play, parents can strengthen their trusted relations with kids. For instance, they could film a TikTok video together. This will also let parents help their kids to protect themselves from potential hazards online,” comments Anna Larkina, web content analysis expert at Kaspersky. To ensure children have a positive online experience, Kaspersky recommends that parents: Learn more about your children’s interests. Surf and learn together. See where children spend their time online and explore how to best keep them safe. Explain that sensitive information should only be shared via messengers and only with people they know in real life. Consider downloading parental control apps and discuss this topic with your child to explain how such apps work and why they need them to stay safe online. Spend more time communicating with children about online safety measures. Tell your children what must not, under any circumstances, be published on the Internet and why.

July 9, 2021
Parenting Hub

SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY

Welcome to the Jam!  NBA champion and global icon LeBron James goes on an epic adventure alongside timeless Tune Bugs Bunny with the animated/live-action event “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” in cinemas this July.  This transformational journey is a manic mashup of two worlds that reveals just how far some parents will go to connect with their kids. When LeBron and his young son Dom are trapped in a digital space by a rogue A.I., LeBron must get them home safe by leading Bugs, Lola Bunny and the whole gang of notoriously undisciplined Looney Tunes to victory over the A.I.’s digitized champions on the court: a powered-up roster of professional basketball stars as you’ve never seen them before.  It’s Tunes versus Goons in the highest-stakes challenge of his life, that will redefine LeBron’s bond with his son and shine a light on the power of being yourself. The ready-for-action Tunes destroy convention, supercharge their unique talents and surprise even “King” James by playing the game their own way. James stars alongside Oscar nominee Don, Khris Davis, Sonequa Martin-Green, Eric Bauza and Zendaya.

July 1, 2021
Parenting Hub

How to protect yourself from financial fraud

Many of us have experienced that sinking feeling when we realise we’ve been conned. If you’re lucky, you may have lost only a battered old wallet containing a few banknotes. Others may not be so fortunate. Media regularly carry reports of highly experienced business leaders who’ve lost substantial amounts after falling prey to smooth-talking conmen promising investment returns well above the norm. “You go through so many emotions when you realise that you, or someone close to you, has been scammed,” says Shafeeka Anthony, Marketing Manager of personal finance website JustMoney. “Your feelings of trust, dignity, security and self-esteem are affected. Life seems uncertain and out of control.  “There’s also the stress of spending hours with the police, banks and other institutions in order to report fraud, close compromised accounts and obtain new documents.” According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), which keeps people informed about the latest banking scams and fraudster activity, digital banking incidents increased by 20% in 2019 on the previous year.  Cybercrimes are increasing at an “alarming” rate, according to the SABRIC 2019 annual crimes stats report. These crimes will eventually replace many ‘traditional’ bank crimes as they “transcend time and physical proximity due to their virtual nature”. Says Anthony: “You may not think your information is important enough to interest a fraudster, but in fact a cybercriminal could be looking for an identity just like yours to avoid raising suspicion. Your details – name, address, ID and bank details – could be used to apply for a credit card or loan in your name, or to create a fake driver’s licence or passport.” JustMoney offers the following tips to avoid being fleeced by a fraudster: Use tough-to-crack passwords, keep them to yourself, and change them regularly. Don’t click on hyperlinks or open attachments if you receive an email from a stranger.  Protect sensitive information by installing antivirus, firewall and spyware protection on your computer. Keep this updated. The lockdown has led to much more online shopping. Only do business with familiar companies. Take care of your filing. Documents can be stolen from your car or office without you being aware that they are missing or have been copied. Shred or burn documents with sensitive information rather than adding them to the recycling.  Do not carry all your ID cards or documents with you. Generally, only one is necessary for day-to-day activities, so lock the rest away. Do not use internet café s or communal spaces to shop or bank online.  Read a JustMoney article with more tips on protecting yourself against banking fraud here. Find out more about how to identify an investment scam here. “Given the current Covid-19 conditions, some fraudsters ask for donations on behalf of real or fake non-profits, claiming to assist people affected by the pandemic,” says Anthony. “While most of us are happy to help a good cause, take time to check the legitimacy of a non-profit organisation, or the person contacting you, before making a donation.” Read more on how to avoid being scammed for a good cause here. Credit check Another helpful tip from Anthony is to check your credit report regularly. This is a record of your financial history that shows your outstanding debt, both long-term and short-term, and the number of accounts you have open. It can provide an early warning of fraudulent activity.  Read a JustMoney guide to credit reports here and sign up to get a free report here. Report fraud If you have been a victim of fraud, report it to the police immediately and ask for a case number. You can also contact the SA Fraud Prevention Service on 011 867 2234 or at www.safps.org.za, should your ID be used to commit fraud or be stolen. JustMoney JustMoney is a personal finance website that provides busy and digitally-savvy South Africans with easy access to financial products, services and information. It does this by partnering with trusted financial brands and creating informative, trustworthy advice. Check it out at JustMoney. Stats source: SABRIC annual crime stats 2019 https://www.sabric.co.za/media/1265/sabric-annual-crime-stats-2019.pdf

June 30, 2021
Nintendo

MARIO GOLF: SUPER RUSH TEES OFF ON NINTENDO SWITCH!

Join your favourite Mushroom Kingdom characters on the fairway for a super speedy round of golf. With Mario Golf: Super Rush, the Mario Golf series makes its return in its speediest instalment yet. Players can join a variety of Mushroom Kingdom characters in different multiplayer modes or start your own Golf Adventure now that the game is available on the Nintendo Switch.  Watch the latest trailer here:  Simple button controls make it easy for new players and seasoned pros alike to get their game on. It’s as simple as taking aim, choosing the shot strength and sending the ball flying. Players can curve their shot to avoid hazards and put spin on the ball to affect how it rolls after landing. Several features are on hand to help players conquer the course, including a shot gauge that adapts to the angle of the slope and a scan that lets you read the terrain. Additionally, it’s possible to use motion controls by holding a Joy-Con controller like a golf club*. Players can choose from a cast of 16 Mushroom Kingdom characters, each featuring different strengths and equipped with their own unique special moves. Pauline, Chargin’ Chuck, and King Bob-omb will make their first appearance in the series. Players can hit the fairway with up to three others, both locally and online**, in a variety of modes. With a selection of six lavish courses to choose from, including standard courses and courses with special hazards, every round of golf is different and there is still more to come from the Mushroom Kingdom-infused golf game. Free updates to the game that include additional courses and playable characters will be released in the future. Modes range from Standard Golf to the energetic Speed Golf, Battle Golf – a more frantic variation of Speed Golf – and an RPG-like story mode in Golf Adventure. In Golf Adventure, players can enrol their Mii character in golf training at a prestigious country club and go all the way from rookie to pro. They’ll be able to interact with familiar Mushroom Kingdom characters, learn how to play and take on a variety of challenges. Players can even bring their Mii character – and their customised stats – into other modes, too. Mario Golf: Super Rush is now available only on Nintendo Switch. Swing over to store.nintendo.co.za and take advantage of their Star Bundle offering, where you can build your own unique Nintendo Switch bundle including Mario Golf: Super Rush and get a free carry case and Nintendo Labo Kit with your purchase. * Motion controls cannot be used during Golf Adventure. ** Internet connection required. To use online services, you must create a Nintendo Account and accept the related agreement. The Nintendo Account Privacy Policy applies. Some online services may not be available in all countries. Online play requires paid online membership. Find out more about the paid membership service.

June 28, 2021
MiVoice

10 reasons to download the all-new MiVoice app

We’re so fortunate in South Africa as many of us have domestic employees to help us raise our children right and keep our homes and gardens in tip-top condition. Unfortunately, less than half of those domestic employees have the security of a formal work contract. This means that they could be unfairly disciplined or dismissed, and may be underpaid or given less leave than they’re due because these factors rely on the memories of both the domestic employer and employee.  Fortunately, there’s now an app to manage your domestic employees from start to finish. The MiVoice app is the world’s first fully mobile HR management solution for domestic employees and offers everything you need to simplify your life and improve the way you work with these valuable  helpers. Read on to discover ten reasons why you should download the free MiVoice app today. 1.Oh-so-easy sign-in MiVoice’s GPS-enabled sign-in and sign-out feature is not only invaluable when pay day rolls around, but lets you raise an early alarm if someone you rely on doesn’t arrive as expected. 2.Keep Covid compliant It is now law for all employers, even domestic, to screen workers for Covid-19 symptoms on arrival at work. MiVoice ensures you’re Covid-compliant, with screening questions built into the app’s sign-in feature. 3.Protection under the law Falling foul of the CCMA is the last thing you need in your busy life. Yet if you don’t have a formal contract with your domestic employees, signed proof of leave requests, and detailed records stretching back for three years, that’s exactly what you might one day face.  MiVoice puts you on the right side of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, while giving your valued home helpers the legal workplace recognition they deserve. With MiVoice, you get compliant app-generated employment contracts, pay slips and leave requests, all safely stored for future reference. 4.Get smart with task management No more scrawling notes on scraps of paper and taping them to the fridge. With MiVoice’s daily task lists, you can plan tasks in advance and clearly communicate what you expect from your domestic helpers. Employees check off tasks as they do them, leave comments where needed, and alert you if anything is preventing a task’s completion. 5.Leave the leave calculations to MiVoice No more forgetting who’s on leave when or scrambling to find a fill-in at short notice. MiVoice’s leave application feature lets your employees formally request leave in advance, covering you legally and making future-planning that much easier. Formal records also ensure your employees get the full quota of leave they’re entitled to. 6.Take the hassle out of month-end Pay day is a breeze with MiVoice. Thanks to the sign-in feature, MiVoice knows exactly when and for how long your employees worked. It automatically calculates and generates compliant pay slips for each employee, based on their specific remuneration package and structure. 7.Safe, effortless payments Top up your MiVoice account, and the app seamlessly deposits the wages into your employees’ MiVoice wallets, keeping appropriate records of course. All MiVoice’s systems are protected by the same security measures already audited by its sponsoring bank and as required under its Third-Party Payment Processer license; so you can rest assured that your employees’ wages are in secure hands. 8.Easy, secure, zero-cost wallet Use of the MiVoice wallet costs employers a minimal R49 per month per employee. With bank fees subsidized by their employer, domestic employees can use their MiVoice wallet to make five free transfers per employer to their bank account, free payments to any account, and withdraw cash from selected major retailers (charges are levied for this by retailers). The MiVoice wallet also offers charge-free airtime, data and electricity purchases, as well as digital vouchers for everywhere from Boxer to Wimpy that they can use themselves or send via text message to a child or caregiver back home. 9.Help when they need it most With a quick tap of a button, your child-minder and domestic employees get immediate medical and security help when they need it. MiVoice instantly connects with Response24’s control room which coordinates ambulance and armed response dispatch if required.  Less critical situations like a child-minder running out of fuel on the school run can also be handled through the emergency function, connecting your staff to a chatroom of contacts for quick and easy problem resolution. 10.Keeping employees covered A MiVoice subscription includes commuter accident insurance that pays out R10 000 to your employee’s beneficiaries in the event of accidental death. Accidents leading to a hospital stay pay out R250 daily for up to 20 days to both employee and employer, to cover expenses like transport costs for family visits, or temporary help while a carer is out of action. So download the MiVoice app from the App Store or Google Play today and make the way you manage your household employees easier, better, safer and legally compliant. Because sometimes, the best thing and the right thing are the same thing.

June 25, 2021
Nintendo

It’s all about control

As parents, we all want to protect our children. The question for many parents is how you can monitor what games your children are playing in order to avoid exposing them to content you might deem unsuitable depending on their age. Luckily, most consoles have some kind of parental control system in place, and the Nintendo Switch is no different. The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls supports a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience So what kind of functionality can you restrict with the parental controls and how do you do this?  To begin with, there are the obvious reasons – you think some of the games on your console, which might be appropriate for you as their parent, are just too violent or with too many adult themes for children to understand. You might want to restrict what your children can buy on the eShop, which is likely loaded with your credit card details. Or perhaps you might want to restrict the amount of online time your child has every day.  There are a number of ways you can do this – either directly on the console, or via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, which you can link to your Nintendo account (which you will need in order to be able use this feature). The app also offers a few more features if you’re looking for additional levels of control.  On the console itself you go into System Settings, and scroll down to Parental Controls, which will encourage you to download the app. You’re not required to do this but it really is the more comprehensive and the easier option, especially if you have kids who might be able to circumnavigate the parental settings.  You can set the age level of your child in order to be able to control what kind of age-appropriate content they’re exposed to, select the rating board of the country in which you reside, disable voice communication so your child can’t speak to others online, and disable VR controls which is recommended for children under the age of seven.  Make sure you choose a PIN that your child isn’t likely to be able to guess!  Setting up the controls on the app is likewise very easy. You’ll need to sign into your Nintendo account, and once you’ve linked your Switch to the app via a registration code (remember where I told you it would tell you to download the app earlier?), and now you’re ready to set up things like daily play limits. You’ll be asked to enable push notifications so you can monitor your kids’ activity.  If you want to restrict access to the Nintendo eShop, there are a separate set of restrictions for those as well which will ensure your child doesn’t make unauthorised purchases, whether those are games or add-ons you might not want your child spending your money on!  Ultimately you can remove the parental controls as well if you feel you no longer need to monitor your child’s activity – for whatever reason – but it’s comforting to know that Nintendo is equally as invested in protecting your child as you are. Feel free to read more about how Nintendo is supporting a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience here. By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf on Nintendo Distributor SA

June 22, 2021
Parenting Hub

How Fresh is Frozen? Frozen vegetables are fresher than you think

There’s no denying that frozen foods are a lifesaver for quick meal solutions and come out tops from a convenience, lifespan, and waste-reduction point of view. But some may question the quality and nutritional value of frozen foods, not to mention the fear of preservatives. We got some insights from McCain, a leader in the frozen foods category, to dispel some of the common misconceptions when it comes to frozen vegetables and potato products. It’s fresh: “Our produce is sustainably sourced from local farmers, harvested at its peak and snap frozen within hours to maintain freshness and lock in nutrients,” says Catharina Bester, Marketing Manager: Foodservice & Retail at McCain. Freezing is a safe and natural way of preventing bacterial growth and enzyme activity and eliminates the need for undesirable chemical preservatives It’s convenient: There’s no way around it, frozen vegetables are a win on a busy weeknight.  The cleaning and chopping have all been done for you, so all you need to do is take it out of your freezer, cook according to the on-pack instructions, and serve. It’s healthy: Contrary to popular belief, freezing causes very little nutrient loss and preserves the vitamins and minerals in food – so all those fantastic nutrients end up on your dinner table, meaning you get a nutritional meal every time. Frozen produce is packed with nutritional value and provides the easiest way for you and your family to get your daily nutrition. It’s reliable: We all know the feeling of reaching for some veggies in the fridge, only to find that it’s expired or heading to the shops to get a specific ingredient, and not being able to find it. By keeping your freezer stocked with frozen vegetables and potato products, you know you’ll have what you need, ready to go, when you need it. It’s affordable: Frozen foods have a much longer shelf-life than fresh produce and you only use what you need so there’s less wastage. Meaning you get more broccoli for your buck, and not to mention less frequent visits to the store. It’s versatile: The meal options are endless – from quick snacks, tasty potato chips and wedges, stir-fries, pasta sauces and toppings and even baking. You can even create your very own personalized McCain Family Cookbook, which is easy and can be completed in just a few steps. First off, give the book a name and personalise it with a special message. Then, upload six family recipes accompanied by photos, to give it that personal touch. Then, tailor the rest of the book using easy, pre-made recipe categories curated by McCain and chosen by you. According to Danielle De Villiers, Senior Brand Manager at McCain “This cookbook is a continuation of our mission to help families grow and thrive. You can now not only receive mouth-watering, easy-to-follow and accessible recipes that the whole family will love, but also pass on your own recipes to the next generation.” Included in your cookbook will be your personalised recipes, a selection of Food24’s most popular recipes, and family-friendly meal ideas using McCain products. The cookbook will also feature Food24 editorial packed with tips, cheat guides, storage suggestions and other fun food snippets from the team, making this cookbook the perfect addition to any kitchen. Once your personalised cookbook has been completed, check out, and you will receive a digital copy in your inbox and a printed copy delivered to your door. Check out McCain’s extensive range of proudly farm to freezer products, including gluten and preservative-free chips, ready-made creamed spinach, diced beetroot, Hawaiian stir fry mix and a firm kids favourite, Smiles.Follow the #MadeWithMcCain conversation on McCain Facebook or McCain Instagram or visit their website https://www.mccain.co.za/   for more information.

June 21, 2021
MiVoice

You wouldn’t work without an employment contract, so why should your domestic worker?

Did you know that, according to the Western Cape Department of Labour, less than half of South African households comply with the laws governing the employment of domestic workers? Because of this, many domestic workers are exploited by their employers. Newly launched local mobile app MiVoice aims to help break this cycle by managing domestic employee relationships and ensuring both parties legally comply with HR laws governing the employment of domestic workers. Hennie Heymans, CEO of StratPay, the company that developed the app, says that MiVoice was conceived in response to evidence that domestic employees are among the most vulnerable employees in SA. “The unfortunate consequences of COVID-19 led to approximately 250 000 local domestic workers losing their jobs and only 21 000 of them succeeded with UIF claims. This predicament created the opportunity for the company to use its intended mobile wallet to uplift this much-neglected sector of workers.” “Domestic employee relationships survive on the balance of many pillars, such as scope of work, remuneration, trust, payment on due date, legal requirements, compassion, financial, etc. But, until now, there has been no programme, no blueprint, no financial account and no effort to combine all of these and manage it on an equal footing for people who are sometimes closer than actual family,” says Heymans. In some dispute instances, the domestic employee is coached by a trade union official to convince the CCMA that the employer is a tyrant who has treated them unfairly, so employers also need to protect themselves, notes Heymans. He adds that, as the app evolved, it soon became clear it would add convenience as well as protection to domestic employers and employees alike. “The app has truly been designed to make managing household employees easier, better, safer and legally compliant, and we believe it will revolutionise domestic employment relationships in SA.” The world’s first fully mobile HR management app, MiVoice administers all employment-related tasks, including legal employment contracts, pay slips and UIF calculations, and offers smart time and task management features, household safety features and commuter accident insurance. Employers are also able to deposit wages into employees’ MiVoice zero-cost e-wallets, who can then make free transfers to bank accounts, make account payments and withdraw cash. The wallet also offers charge-free airtime, data and electricity purchases, and digital vouchers for selected retailers. MiVoice also offers insurance and personal protection services to employers at a premium, which is used to subsidise the transactional financial products made available free of charge in the hands of employees. So download MiVoice on the App Store or Google Play today and make the way you manage your household employees easier, better, safer and legally compliant. 

June 17, 2021
Load More

Sidebar Image

Scroll to Top