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33% of gamers in South Africa hide how much they game from their parents

A third (33%) of gamers in South Africa are ashamed of how much they game and hide it from their parents. This is according to global research1 by Kaspersky and was discussed in a recent Mum’s Got Game live panel. This research1, commissioned by Kaspersky and conducted by Savanta in November last year, looks at gaming in 2020 across 17 countries and 5,031 respondents, and considers what dynamics between gamers and their parents have changed and what can be done to break down barriers and stigmas. According to the gamers surveyed, this gaming shame is due to archaic stigmas2 that remain around it, such as “bad for your health” (55%) or “rotting your brain” (56%). The biggest disappointment for gamers is that while parents appreciate many of the positives – creativity (55%), social skills (33%), problem solving (50%) – they are less able to engage with them about their passion, mainly because gameplay and the social elements of gaming are so different to the likes of movies and music. In fact, half (54%) believe that if their parents “got” gaming, their relationship overall would be better. Andrew Winton, Vice President of Marketing at Kaspersky, said,“Gaming has provided huge support to many people this past year; offering solace, relief and friendship in difficult times. But for many families, the negative perceptions of gaming can be very counter-productive in enabling open dialogue and building relationships. We hope that the wise words from these mums will help others start to have better and more positive conversations between gamers and parents.” To read the full report visit our blog.

February 24, 2021

How to reinvent yourself on a professional level

If you’re left feeling a little stagnant and uninspired in your career, rest assured that you are not alone. Thousands of people, just like you, feel the need to reinvent themselves on a professional level, and doing it is easier than you think! Here are some inspirational ideas on how you can get your spark back! Make a list Reflect on what stimulated you in the past and what you felt the most passionate about. Are there any specific kind of projects that get you amped? Write down your career highlights and detail the explanations about why they were so great. In the best-selling book Write it Down, Make it Happen, the author shows how the simple act of writing things down can bring clarity and forward momentum in fulfilling your aspirations and purpose. It doesn’t sound all that powerful but imagining what your life could be and then writing it down is the first and most crucial step to reinvent yourself. Focus on a skill you’d like to master You can reinvent yourself by changing your focus area, investing time to master it, and letting people know about your new skills and insights. Without constant learning and growth, there’s no possibility of career progression. Google Digital Garage and iDEA are two great options for individuals looking to take on short courses. Udemy is also worth mentioning since you can sign up for just about any course that can help you reinvent yourself and your professional persona. Do your homework Start researching new career paths where you can put the skills you have to work. Explore your options. Talk to people. The more you learn about what’s out there and refine your understanding, the more your inspirational juice to feed off. Give your wardrobe a makeover There’s a phrase that says, “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” And the simple truth is that if you want a specific position or want to come across in a certain way, you have to dress for the part. Your appearance determines how people perceive you. This doesn’t mean you have to go corporate unless you want to. But you need to start reflecting the type of person you want to come across as. When you dress the part, the industry will also start taking you more seriously. Final Thoughts Regardless of whether you follow all these steps or not, it might just be the most beneficial thing you’ll ever do for your career progression and personal growth. You can also browse Adzuna’s collection of excellent career advice articles if you’re looking for even more ways to make the most of your career and professional goals.

February 23, 2021

Prevent premature ageing AND correct DNA damage

Nourish Whatever your skin type, Nourish can help you maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin How many selfies do you take before deciding on one you like? How many filters do you scroll through to find the most flattering before you hit “post”? Let’s face it. We all want to look like the very best version of ourselves for as long as possible. Thing is, we live in the real world, not a digital one, where our skin is constantly exposed to aggressors like free-radicals and DNA-damaging UV rays. While we won’t necessarily see consequences in our 20s, the damage only accumulates. Eventually, as we move towards our 30s, it becomes visible as fine lines, wrinkles, a loss of firmness and pigmentation occurs. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to ensure you still look picture perfect as the years march on. By taking good care of your skin right now, using an advanced system that can prevent the future signs of aging as well as correct DNA damage, you can easily maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. This is where Lamelle Nourish comes in. Nourish – not your average anti-ager Most skincare ranges focus on protecting your skin from some of the elements that contribute to premature aging. Nourish, however, defends your skin from ALL of them and then takes things further by correcting indirect DNA damage. Many don’t realise it, but free radicals activated inside the nucleus of cells are able to damge DNA, creating “kinks” referred to as dimers. If left untreated, dimers can morph into a mutation as well as lead to several types of cancer. Fortunately, Nourish contains a DNA damage-correcting enzyme – one that’s exclusive to the range and shown to repair DNA kinks before they can cause any trouble. As far as premature ageing prevention goes, Nourish is formulated to address every aspect, not just some of them. The range’s luxurious-feeling formulations serve up potent antioxidants, powerful vitamin blends and anti-inflammatory botanicals to ensure your skin gets everything it needs to beat the hands of time. As far as premature aging prevention goes, Nourish is formulated to address every aspect, not just some of them. The range’s luxurious-feeling formulations serve up potent antioxidants, powerful vitamin blends and anti-inflammatory botanicals to ensure your skin gets everything it needs to beat the hands of time. Nourish is for EVERY skin We get it. You’re busy. This is why Nourish is a streamlined system. No triple cleanses and quadruple serum layering required. No sketchy jade rollers to improve penetration. Just cutting-edge science and hard-working products that will suit all skin types. The only time you’ll have to take your pick is when it comes to choosing a moisturiser – Nourish Revitalise Cream for dry/combination skin or Nourish Revitalise Lite Cream for oily/combination skin. The latter is made using an advanced hydrating complex that delivers the moisture every skin needs, but without any unnecessary weight. Ultimately, if you’re looking to prevent the signs of premature aging while targeting a major contributing factor – unmitigated DNA damage – Nourish is the only skincare collection that can help you do it. Once you discover the difference, there’s no looking back. To learn more about Lamelle Nourish, visit https://lamelle.co.za/nourish-range. www.lamelle.co.za Tel: 011 465 2264 By Lamelle Research Laboratories

February 18, 2021

VIDEO COMMUNICATION CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO OF TEACHING 

Video communication is now more than ever challenging the status quo of teaching. The value of eLearning or video communication is being recognized by more and more organizations since it can produce significant results, including improved performance and productivity by learners. Using video conferencing for education has made classrooms walls invisible, allowing students to have the entire world as their learning resource.

February 17, 2021

Keep calm and keep going

Did you know that even happy and good changes cause us stress? Think of a new baby, a new house, a new job, a new year … The arrival of the COVID-19 coronavirus is a huge stressor. We have had to make big changes to working conditions, home schooling children, staying in touch with loved ones via phone or digital platforms and managing tough economic challenges among others. Even so, South Africans are doing themselves proud and adopting mask wearing, hand sanitising and social distancing. But isolation and fear of catching or passing on the virus do take their toll on our emotional, mental and relationship wellbeing. Healthy lifestyles can help us to manage this stress. Some are: Eat healthy food. Because carbohydrates raise serotonin levels, they act like a natural tranquilizer so it’s competent to dive into bread or muffins when anxiety rises. No problem there but check that you are also eating proteins in meat, chicken or eggs, as well as vegetables, fruit, seeds and nuts, as these are the building blocks of good health. Exercise two or three times a week. Exercise has been found to decrease symptoms of depression. While we do not always feel like it, just start, even if it’s a walk around the block 3 times a week. Enjoyment and motivation tend to follow once we begin. Get a good night’s sleep. Seven to eight hours is recommended as sleep is relaxing to both body and brain and has an important role in supporting our immune system. If you find yourself worrying instead of sleeping, and feeling on edge and overwhelmed during the day, there are two Nativa Complex® formulations which support emotional and mental wellbeing and a good night’s sleep. Nativa Calm Complex® can assist the body to cope with everyday emotional strain, tension and irritability. Its formulation of vitamin B, GABA and herbal actives can help the body with anxiety support, promoting calmness and enhancing focus. Oh for a good night’s restful sleep! Vitamin B, magnesium and herbal actives in Nativa Night Complex® can support the body with restful sleep, undisturbed sleeping patterns, relaxation and reducing mild anxiety. Available from Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot and selected pharmacies. Prices: Nativa Calm Complex® around R120 for 30; Nativa Night Complex® around R124 for 30

February 9, 2021

Home Education is a valid and trusted alternative for your child’s education, through Brainline

Many leaners are being swallowed by the current school system. They are suffering due to the pressures of a full workload and failure to receive sufficient individual attention, resulting in them not being able to reach their full potential. There is also a lot of pressure on learners to take part and excel in extracurricular activities, of which the options may be limited to the offerings by the school. . At the same time, parents are confronted with the constant fear over the safety of their child in a school environment and the possibility of bullying.

February 4, 2021

Let your child Fly… through stories

Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has been bringing a special story to children to celebrate World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) for the past eight years. In the first year (2013), the campaign reached 13 000 children and in 2021, the goal is to read aloud to 3 million children in a single day. Nal’ibali celebrates WRAD on Wednesday 3 February in 2021, to draw attention to the importance of reading aloud to children in their mother tongue. The NGO commissions a brand-new story – best suited for reading aloud to primary school children – and translates it into all 11 official SA languages. This is an ongoing campaign to urge parents, teachers and caregivers to read aloud to the children in their lives. The announcement that schools will be opening two weeks later than anticipated means that learners will lose more schooling days in 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic meant learners lost valuable schooling time in 2020, and the importance of reading has become even more relevant, especially for primary school children. The 2021 story and author This year’s story is Fly, everyone fly! by Sihle Nontshokweni, the best-selling children’s author of Wanda (published in 2019). She says sharing stories with children can help them become resilient and brave in real-world situations. ‘The beauty of stories is their immersive nature, they allow children to enter a world in which they believe. In that sacred world, they can find the language and tools they need to deal with the pressures of the external world.’ Nontshokweni will be giving a special reading of the story, live on Nal’ibali’s Facebook page (@nalibaliSA) at 1.00 pm on the day. Caregivers and their children are invited to join the digital read-aloud not only to hear the story, but to engage with the author and each other too. Another champion of reading, Christina Nomdo, the Western Cape Children’s Commissioner, will also be giving a virtual reading of the story on the campaign’s page. The commissioner will be specifically highlighting the power of stories to set children up for success in school and life. The power of stories, at home, at school and in the community Reading underpins all school learning and children who read regularly perform better in the classroom, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances. Stories can be shared anytime, anywhere so, wherever children and caregivers find themselves on Wednesday, 3 February, Nal’ibali is encouraging them to start or maintain a reading routine. This simple habit can be an invaluable investment in their futures. Reading to babies and 3-6-year olds Many caregivers do not realise the benefit of reading and sharing stories with children this young, but it is the children who were read to when they were very little who perform better in school, as they will have better developed their memories, vocabularies and comprehension skills. Typically, Nal’ibali’s WRAD drive focuses on primary school children but this year, following the recent crisis in the early childhood development (ECD) sector, the Centre for Early Childhood Development and PRAESA (the Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa) have come on board to help open up the day to preschool children and their caregivers as well. “2020 saw the extended closure of ECDs during the national lockdown. The result of this is that many of these facilities have had to permanently shut their doors, leaving scores of young children bereft of early learning opportunities, meals and safety,” explains Eric Atmore, Director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Extraordinary Associate Professor in the Education Policy Studies Department at Stellenbosch University. To help ensure these children are also able to benefit from the simple power of stories and join in the nationwide celebration, PRAESA has developed a short guide for caregivers on how to share Nal’ibali’s official WRAD story with children aged 3-6. The guide is available to download from the campaign’s website in seven official languages. Nal’ibali is therefore inviting caregivers everywhere to read its story aloud to children of all ages, whether they find themselves at home, in the classroom or in the community. Members of the public wishing to get involved can visit www.nalibali.org or WhatsApp ‘WRAD’ to 060 044 2254 to make their pledge and gain free access the official story and PRAESA’s guide to sharing the story with preschool children. They are also encouraged to share pictures of their read-aloud sessions online using the hashtag #MyWRAD2021.

February 2, 2021

Junior IT career options for tech graduates

We live in a world that seems to thrive on technological advancements. Because the emphasis on IT jobs is greater than it has ever been, isn’t it time to rethink the future of your career? Adzuna did some research and uncovered some of the best junior IT career choices for tech pros of the future. From support to programming, these opportunities can equip you with all the right skills you’ll need to excel in our rapidly growing digital world. Read on to find out just how far you can leap! Top junior IT career picks for 2021 Desktop Support Technician Opportunities from here: Systems Administrator Network Management Specialist Business Analyst Data Centre Operator How to get started: A good foundation to have for becoming a desktop support technician is a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. You can also get in with a minimum of 5 C-grade GCSEs and a deep passion for solving problems within a fast-paced environment. After that, it’s good to equip yourself with certifications like a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) and CompTIA A+ so you’ll gain insights to the different facets of the business and take the leap to a role like a business analyst. Average salary: R190,000 per year Junior Systems Administrator Opportunities from here: Senior Systems Administrator Technical Lead IT Management How to get started: A good start for a systems administrator is a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering. You also need to show a keen interest in network technology and have a passion for keeping up to date with new tech trends. Moreover, a drive to figure things out will ensure that you keep learning from your mistakes to help you prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Keep equipping yourself with skills like Cisco’s CCNA and administrative languages like Python, Ruby, Windows PowerShell and Perl, and you’ll be able to take the leap to Technical Lead Roles within IT management. Average salary: R210,000 per year Junior Software Engineer Opportunities from here: Java Developer Information Technology Consultant Information Technology Architect How to get started: Firstly, you’ll need a Computer Science or Mathematics bachelor degree to get started as a software engineer. Secondly, a great understanding of computer languages like, for instance, Java, C++, Oracle, .NET and a passion for creating new technologies are great to have. The opportunities for growth here are endless as long as you’re able to master a multitude of programming languages and get certified for it. Once you’re into the swing of things and have a few years of experience, you can take the leap to bigger roles like that of an IT Architect or Java Developer. Average salary: R300,000 per year Junior Business Analyst Opportunities from here: Business Architect Business Analyst Consultant How to get started: A bachelor’s degree in Business Analysis, Business Management or Computer Science can help you get one foot in the door to become a business analyst. Also, you need a varied set of skills like communication, problem-solving, negotiating skills and a hunger for accepting new challenges. With some experience and in-job training, you can take the leap and become a Business Architect or Business Analyst Consultant. Average salary: R310,000 per year Final Thoughts It is essential to arm yourself with a few basic skills if you want to kick off a junior IT career. The four options we’ve listed here today are just a few picks that can pave the way to a long and successful IT career. But it is important to always keep upskilling yourself so you’ll stay relevant in your field of work! If you’re ready to show the world of IT what you’re made of, head over to Adzuna’s listings right now and start browsing vacancies that match your skills and experience!

January 26, 2021

SACAP’S HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS HELPS BRIDGE PANDEMIC DISRUPTION

As we move into the second year of life upended by the global pandemic, SA’s school leavers are weighing their limited options. While some will forge onto their chosen tertiary education path, others may be set back by not achieving a bachelor’s pass or be uncertain about what they want to study. Travelling and gaining world experience before you make up your mind is off the cards for the time being, and probably for most of 2021. The challenge for these school leavers is how to make the best of these tough circumstances. There’s currently an increasing focus on short programmes offered by tertiary institutions. The best of these are typically one-year programmes offering an accredited Higher Certificate qualification that can improve a student’s readiness for tertiary education, make up for a Matric without a bachelor’s pass and enhance critical skills for success not only in their studies to come, but in their future work lives. Dr Jaclyn Lotter, SACAP’s (The South African College of Applied Psychology) Academic Dean, points out that parents and young people are anxious that 2021 ‘doesn’t go to waste’ as the education sector continues to grapple with how to master continuity during the pandemic. “After the disruptions of last year, which certainly did result in some SA school leavers underperforming, through no fault of their own, there’s a strong urge to move forward this year and overcome the disadvantage of the pandemic,” she says. “There will be close scrutiny of options such as Higher Certificate programmes to not just keep students busy, but to ensure that they have a meaningful education experience that helps them leapfrog over the pandemic years.” In line with its focus on Social Sciences education, SACAP offers a popular Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills. The one-year, nine-module programme, which is available online or on-campus (subject to COVID-19 restrictions), offers practical, work-related skills training set in an Applied Psychology framework that is relevant to students anticipating careers across all sectors. While it’s a notable gateway into the Social Sciences field, the application of interpersonal skills is equally critical in business, academia, education, medical, tech, science, government and non-government fields. As Dr Lotter puts it: “There isn’t an industry in which having a better understanding of human behaviour or the ability to communicate more effectively with others isn’t useful.” Is the Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills right for you? If you passed matric without exemption in 2021 You may have set your heart on studying for a degree but matric didn’t turn out how you hoped it would. You’re not alone. The pandemic wreaked havoc on the education system last year, and the Matrics faced the toughest challenges of any generation since World War 2. “Graduating from SACAP’s Higher Certificate this year can not only help you get back on track, but set you off with some important advantages,” says Dr Lotter. “You will not only meet the minimum entrance requirements for degree studies around the country, but you will lay the foundations for good academic literacy, setting you up for success in your further studies. You will also gain critical skills if you rather decide to enter the workforce in 2022. If you don’t feel sure you will be able to succeed at university Many school leavers might not feel confident with their ability to cope at a university level given the very disruptive matric year they experienced. Engaging in the Higher Certificate will give you this year to build confidence and empower you to continue your journey into higher education. If you wanted a gap year and really don’t want to start long-term tertiary studies instead Dreams of a gap year, especially for those who planned on travelling for self-exploration, are very compelling and hard to let go. It’s not easy to just set this aside and dive into tertiary education when you believe you need time and experience before committing to a study/career path. “The Higher Certificate is a one-year programme that introduces students to psychology and the Social Sciences,” says Dr Lotter. “It gives students a taste for the field of study without a long-term commitment and provides them with a registered qualification and practical skills at the end. Along with SACAP’s student-centred approach, it is also a voyage of self-discovery enabling greater awareness and understanding in relation to others as well as a deeper relationship with self”. If you’re interested in Social Sciences but not ready for degree studies The Higher Certificate is a gateway to further studies in Social Sciences, and some credits can even be carried over to SACAP’s Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences degrees when majoring in Psychology and Counselling, Business Management or Human Resource Management. If you need to improve your communications and interactions with others “The Higher Certificate is a great qualification for anyone who wants to develop their communication skills and improve their ability to interact and work with others,” says Dr Lotter. “There are key features of this qualification that offer invaluable knowledge and insight to graduates, including communication skills, counselling skills, academic literacy , as well as insight into human behaviour and better understanding of human diversity. Together these areas of focus lay the foundation for better understanding and insight into how people think and behave on an individual level as well as within society at large. The Higher Certificate develops relevant, useful and practical skills that are both transferrable and invaluable for a graduate’s personal and working life, as well as future studies they may choose to pursue.” Webinar: What you can do with a Higher Certificate Pass Not getting a matric exemption may be disappointing, but it is definitely not the end of the road. Join Dr Jaclyn Lotter, Claire Chester and Praneetha Jugdeo in a live webinar where they will discuss the many advantages that SACAP’s Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills has to offer matrics. This vocational programme is an excellent bridge to wherever students want to go next. It

January 22, 2021

Playschool startup achieves government accreditation on top of international funding

Play Sense becomes one of the first programmes of its kind in SA to be registered by the Department of Social Development as demand booms for innovative online and home-based schools The South African edutech startup Play Sense, which recently raised more than R8-million in international investment from an Africa-focused, gender-lensed venture capital fund, has now also become one of the first registered play-focused preschool franchises in the country. The digitally-enabled micro-playschool programme is a first for South Africa and enables teachers to set up their own playschools at home under the Play Sense banner, with its award-winning imaginative play-centred curriculum for preschoolers as its primary drawcard. It has now become one of the first programmes of its kind to be accredited by the Department of Social Development as a registered early childhood development (ECD) programme in terms of the Children’s Act. The business was founded by early childhood expert and author Meg Faure, who also founded the well-known Baby Sense brand, and fellow occupational therapist and educator Lara Schoenfeld, who also founded the successful Nanny ‘n Me franchise. Faure is CEO and Melissa Cumming, previously the MD of ecommerce business Bloomable, is COO. “Our evidence-based curriculum follows the Vygotskian theory of development which says that guided imagination-based play is the best way to equip kids with the core capacities they need to thrive in a changing world, including self-regulation, executive function, creativity, collaboration and learning readiness,” said Faure. “Our accreditation by the department is an important validation of the quality of both our educational programme and the innovative business model that underpins it. We’re excited about expanding the programme across South Africa this year and globally in the near future – and in the process bringing the ECD space into the sharing economy as a solution to some of the most pressing challenges faced by children, parents and teachers in the world today. This kind of schooling really is the way of the future.” The Play Sense team raised R8.25-million in early-stage funding from USA-based Enygma Ventures in April. The private investment fund focuses on investing in women-led social impact businesses in Southern Africa. The Africa Trust Group is its local implementation partner. The Play Sense franchise model was founded to provide high quality, cost-effective ECD business opportunities for teachers and qualified caregivers who want to run world-class preschools from homes. The model is designed for groups of up to six children between the ages of two to four to come together to play and learn in a safe home-based environment for three to five days of the week. The franchise stable currently accommodates more than 30 groups in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KZN and online, but it is gearing to scale to 200 in-home groups and 15 online groups, as well as to have its global expansion playbook bedded down by the end of 2021. The startup successfully pivoted at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis in South Africa to offer parents and teachers an online learning environment as well. It was this online move that ensured its funding from Enygma, whose investors wanted to see Play Sense scale and roll out its new tech platform in response to the boom in demand for online, independent home-based schools during the pandemic, and empower women entrepreneurs in the process. With the online model, the teacher undergoes the same training but can run an online school for up to 12 families who check in virtually twice a day while teaching their own children at home. “All our teachers are trained in both online and in-home education so that they can adapt as situations change. We just don’t know what 2021 holds, so we have to be flexible,” said Faure. “What makes Play Sense unique is that it is such a cost-effective and scalable model for highly progressive preschool education – something that the market has been asking for and that will empower lots of women who are passionate about ECD to become entrepreneurs who make an impact in their communities. They can now set up schools that offer exceptional education to learners, without the high overheads of a school building because they can use their existing and under-utilised assets, their homes, instead. The fact that they work with a fully developed curriculum and fully equipped starter kit also saves them time and money, and ensures that a specific standard of education can be upheld,” said Faure. The Play Sense curriculum is aligned with UNICEF’s National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Early Learning Developmental Areas (ELDAS), National Early Learning Development Standards (NELDs) and Operational Norms and Standards for preschool education.

January 15, 2021

Raising Kids With 21st Century Skills

Going to camp is more than just an adventure away from home. Camp is an investment in your child’s character, personal growth, skill sets, and future. In our time of rapid development of artificial intelligence and a booming digital world, it has become of utmost importance to teach and implement 21st-century skills in our children. The outcome of putting 21st-century skills into practice results in key competencies that are preparation for workforce training programs, careers, and socializing, just to name a few. With the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, our next generation is will be well equipped for the new age of flying cars. When children come to Sugar Bay, we want them to leave with a greater sense of personal efficiency, a broader outlook on life, and skills to succeed in the world. Here are some of the 21st-century skills we practice at Sugar Bay. Critical thinking Creativity Communication Social skills Flexibility Productivity Accountability With these skills, kids should be conditioned to constant learning and approach life as self-sufficient human beings. Let’s take a look at the benefits of practicing some of our 21st-century skills. Relating to others Children need to grow into social beings. When they relate to others, they have the capacity to form and maintain relationships resulting in them building a foundation of how they function in society. It is a key component in being mentally healthy and having a positive sense of wellbeing. As the old adage goes: the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. Flexibility The world is capable of changing at a moment’s notice, more so in different careers and industries. Proving that flexibility is important as nothing is guaranteed. Children need to gradually learn how to maneuver through the change that will be constant throughout their lives. Or know how to react to it at the very least. With this skill, your child will have adaptive qualities they need to keep up in the ever-changing world. Critical thinking This skill empowers children to see different concepts in a different light, leading to innovation and growth. From their academia to baking a birthday cake, critical thinking is essential to improvement. It’s the mechanism that weeds out problems and finds solutions, assisting kids to ‘figure things out for themselves’ without a teacher or parent. What 21st-century skill is your child developing? Visit our website to view our upcoming themed holiday camps. Wondering what our holiday camps are all about? Visit our YouTube channel to view our playlists that feature all our highlights.

January 5, 2021

7 Inspiring career podcasts you need to check out ASAP

We all love a good podcast. They’re entertaining and often serve as great ways of productively passing the time on your morning commute to the office. Here are some of the best career podcasts that offer free job advice; perfect for keeping you motivated and inspired to fine-tune your skills. A roundup of the best career podcasts Get What You Want If you’re a woman in the world of business, we highly suggest this podcast hosted by Baroness Karren Brady. Karren frequently interviews influential women in the world of business, and her guests include the likes of Dame Helena Morrissey as well as Jo Malone. Hearing the stories of how these women overcame challenges to get to where they are is truly inspiring. Switch, Pivot, Quit For employees considering a career shift, Switch, Pivot, Quit offers useful advice on making the transition between job as smooth as possible. Switching from working as a publicist to an author takes serious commitment, and the show’s host, Ahviana Angel, knows what it takes. Safe for Work In need of some advice on staying positive in the workplace? Liz Dolan, the former head of marketing at Nike and contributor to The Wall Street Journal, shares weekly snippets of advice on various issues like office gossip and exit interviews. The Future of Work Jacob Morgan, a futurologist, is the host of this podcast that identifies what we should expect from the future of work. The host invites new business leaders and HR experts every week to share their insights on how we can all start future-proofing our careers. Squiggly Careers With career-coaches Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper at the lead of this podcast, Squiggly Careers aims to help its subscribers have happier careers. They share their abundance of tips and tricks that’ll help you take control of your career and make better choices going forward. Ctrl Alt Delete As the title might imply, this is one of those career podcasts more focused on all things digital. If you’re employed in the tech sector and need some fresh inspiration, Emma Gannon and her variety of guests will help set the inspirational stage for you. Eat Sleep Work Repeat This podcast is focused on helping us all make our work environments better. The hosts of the show talk to experts in each episode with the aim of identifying ways to drive change in workplace culture. Need some more inspiring career advice? Adzuna, an online job aggregator, not only lists all the online job ads in one place, but they also offer weekly career advice aimed at helping South Africans make the most of their professional lives.

December 18, 2020

goIT CHALLENGES SCHOOLS TO SOLVE WORLD PROBLEMS

South African learners, especially those attending under-resourced schools have precious little opportunity to engage with 21st Century tech learning. While their counterparts in many other countries are engaged with coding and robotics from primary school years, South Africa is still currently battling with launching a curriculum. In essence, this lack means that a generation of our children haven’t had the chance to develop the skills most needed by our changing 4IR world. However, learners from twelve schools in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces entered the country’s first goIT Challenge to come up with app ideas that could change the world for the better. A technology awareness programme of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the goIT Challenge has been designed to inspire the workforce of the future. Over more than a decade, the TCS goIT challenge has been rolled out in North and South America, Asia, Australia, the UK and Europe. Partnering with STEM education specialist, Sakhikamva Foundation, TCS brought the innovative 21st Century learning programme to South Africa. 393 learners, from nine high schools and three primary schools engaged in the programme which involved teams coming up with ideas for apps that can help solve real-life problems. Set in the context of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the learners, who are from disadvantaged communities, grappled with the question of how science and technology could help to solve challenges that have real impacts on their lives. The TCS goIT Challenge, ran from October into November, culminating in a virtual judging event which took place last week. The winning high school team was made up of Grade 9 – 11 learners from Goodwood College in Cape Town. The team of four took top honours with their app called ‘Tech-U-cation’, under the SDG theme of Quality Education. Their app provides free textbooks, mathematics tutorials and career advice for those not sure which paths they’d like to pursue after school. A team of four Grade 7 learners, from De Wavaren Primary in Ruyterwacht, won first place in the Primary School category, with their app called ‘Baunk It’. As part of the SDG theme of No Poverty, they created an app to help provide shelter to those in need, either who are about to be evicted from their homes or to assist the homeless. Anyone in need of a place to stay, can register on the app and Baunk It will provide shelter options, relevant to the user’s GPS location. Nikhil Dabhole, HR Head of TCS South Africa says, “As an IT service provider, the goIT Challenge is close to our hearts. It’s an opportunity for these schools, which traditionally have had few resources to build 4IR skills, to get their learners, educators, parents and their community at large involved in an exciting, relatable and relevant tech education programme. The goIT Challenge will strengthen their communities today, by empowering their own digital innovators of tomorrow.” Past goIT Challenges have resulted in the development of remarkable apps by students who see the challenges in their communities and grapple with how situations can be improved. Examples include a helping hands location app that connects vulnerable people such as seniors to young people who can help them with shopping and chores; and a sustainable living app that enables a community to buy and sell more responsibly, rating the carbon footprints, ethical production values and resource use of a wide range of products. This was an opportunity for South African learners to unleash their creativity and ingenuity in the country’s first TCS goIT Challenge. Twelve teams of learners got to present their app ideas to a team of judges, who choose the top three in each category.The challenge included four in-depth training sessions and ongoing mentoring, which led up to a shark-tank-style entrepreneurial pitch event which was held via ZOOM. As they progressed through the programme, learners developed prototypes of their ideas on paper and used the MIT App Inventor in a hands-on experience of how science, technology, engineering and mathematics intersect with our daily lives. Founder of Sakhikamva Foundation, Fatima Jakoet says, “Children and young people are all natural-born scientists, full of curiosity and problem-solving abilities. All they need is the chance; knowledge and resources to come up with world-changing solutions. We are delighted that TCS has brought the goIT Challenge to South Africa, and we are thrilled to partner with them to launch the first programme in the schools where we work with fantastic educators and principals dedicated to 4IR learning. If we want our South African communities to achieve the milestones of sustainable living, we must engage our school children now in the development goals, and let them be change agents while they are building their 21st Century skills.”

December 4, 2020

Homeschooling in 2021? Here’s how to prepare

As the year is ending off, many of us are letting out a long sigh of relief. There is, however, no time like the present to get a head start on your planning and prepping for the new year. Our school year has officially ended, but I am busy getting a head start on the plan for next year so that we can start up again in the new year when we are ready. There are a few things you can do now to help you start the year strong and organised. Create a dedicated study space If you have been homeschooling, clear your study space, leaving it nice and clean. If it is your first year of homeschooling, create a dedicated study space for next year. Make sure everyone has their own little space. We have a table dedicated to homeschooling, and the teens have their own tables separate from the rest of us because they need a quieter study spot. If space is limited, assign everyone a seat around the table, put their name at their seat so that they feel like the space really is theirs. Register for 2021 Register with your curriculum provider as soon as they open for the new year. This way you will get all the admin stuff out of the way early on. This will also ensure that your books arrive on time to start when you want to. Signing up early also means you can familiarise yourself with the system. Impaq sends very cool yearly planners for each subject that allows us to plan the year out, so we stay on track. Get clear on your schedule This is going to look very different for everyone. I work from home, so we have to work out our schedule around that. If you are new to homeschooling, you might find you have to make some adjustments. You might find you need more or less time than you planned for, be flexible about this. It took us a whole term to really find our rhythm, but now that we have it, it works really well. Set some rules It will take some time for everyone to get back into it so set some homeschooling rules, even if your kids are little. Knowing their boundaries before you start will help everyone to stay on the same page. Write them down, print them out and stick them on the wall where the kids can always see them. Try to make the rules fun so that your kids don’t feel like they are at school. Take it slow It is going to take everyone a little time to adjust, especially after the year we had in 2020. Allow yourself and your kids some time to adjust. Don’t rush them or force them; this is the beauty of homeschooling; you can work with your child and their pace. There will be enough time! Homeschooling tips for 2021 We have also learned a few lessons the hard way over the last two years. Here are some top homeschooling tips for 2021: Pro tip: Don’t buy too much stationery! Seriously. We haven’t bought much new stationery in the last two years. Stock up on the basics and then buy as and if you need it. Pro tip: Figure out your kids’ learning style before you buy books, games, educational computer programs, etc. I have one child who loves working through workbooks and another one who hates it. It can be so tempting to buy all the activity books you can find, but if your child is not into that it is not going to work, and it will be a struggle to get them to use the books or games. Pro tip: It is okay to take a few days off if it is just too much. I was so focused on homeschooling every single day for the time I had scheduled, but some days the kids were just not feeling it. So now we take a day off when we need it, and it makes life so much easier. Pro tip: Look for free resources before you buy. If you are signed up with a curriculum provider, like Impaq, you will get all the books and resources you will need but if you are looking for additional activities for your child, search the internet for free resources before buying additional books or online resources. Pro tip: Invest in a printer. Having a printer in your home can come in very handy. There is always something that needs to be printed and having a printer on hand means you can print when you need to, without having to leave the house in search of a PostNet. Preparing for the new homeschooling year can be so much fun. If you have older children get them involved in the process. Ask them what additional things they would like to learn about so you can find information on those topics before the year starts. Let them help you set up the homeschooling space so that they feel like they are a part of the process. The best part about homeschooling is that it is a journey you are on with your child so involve them as much as you can. by Laura-kim Laura is a wife, business owner and homeschooling mom to four children. When she is not teaching kids about tree frogs and long division, she writes for Impaq Education, a curriculum provider for home education.

November 27, 2020

How an app can help you monitor your child’s growth Growth hormone deficiency

The growth of a child is a significant indication of the child’s health and irregular growth can be an early warning sign of medical problems.1 These kinds of medical problems first show themselves in a child’s irregular growth pattern.1 Growth hormone deficiency has been identified in about 1 in every 3,800 children.2 Therefore, it is important for parents to understand the significance of regularly checking their child’s growth development. This can be done during visits to your healthcare practitioner. For additional support and tracking, an easy to download growth app was launched this September 2020, in order to help parents to easily track their child’s growth. “Growth is one of the fundamental differences between child and adult health care. Physical growth is an indicator and predictor of both present and future health. Among the numerous measures of growth, height and weight are perhaps the most important measures in childhood. While weight may change in adult life, height changes from conception to shortly after the end of puberty.” Says Dr Kuben Pillay, a Paediatric Endocrinologist from Durban. Human growth hormone is a chemical messenger that is vital for normal growth and development.3 Growth hormone is responsible for making us grow and in our bodies, growth hormone is produced naturally. When a child is diagnosed as growth hormone deficient, it means his or her pituitary gland is not producing enough growth hormone.4This could be due to hereditary or genetic conditions. Without enough growth hormone, a child does not grow the way he or she should, to reach his genetic potential or height and to attain well-being. According to Dr Pillay “Changes in patterns of growth may occur during any of 3 different growth phases through childhood and may be due to numerous different causes. These phases are the period between conception and the end of the first year of life (the infant phase), from approximately 1 year of age until the start of puberty (child phase) and between the start and end of puberty. There are different causes that may change growth in these phases and thus, the timing of the change in growth may offer important clues to the underlying cause. For example, nutrition both in the womb and after delivery may result in changes in patterns of growth during the infant phase. Congenital abnormalities (particularly bone abnormalities) and genetic disorders may also be causes. During the child phase many more possibilities may influence growth including genetic disorders (e.g. Turner syndrome), severe chronic disease (heart disease, severe asthma, kidney, etc.), severe malnutrition and hormonal disorders. Growth in puberty is due to effects of the hormones of puberty viz. testosterone in boys and oestrogen in girls.” How to measure growth and treat a possible growth hormone deficiency The typical growth of a child, which would be considered normal, is as follows:4 From birth, infants grow about 20 cm in the first year of life From 1 to 2 years of age, babies and toddlers grow about 10 to 13 cm From 2 to 3 years of age, toddlers grow at a rate of about 7.5 to 10 cm From age 3 years to puberty, growth is stable at around 5 to 6 cm per year until puberty Most of a child’s growth occurs before puberty, but the pubertal growth spurt accounts for more than 20% of adult height.4 When puberty occurs, there is a fast phase of growth. With this guide, parents can easily notice whether their child reaches the growth requirements. If, however, your child does not meet the growth requirements, he or she might need to consult with a healthcare professional, undergo tests and possibly undergo growth hormone therapy. Growth hormones are also vital for the healthy development of essentially all tissues in the body, including muscle and bone.3 It is important that children who are growth hormone deficient are diagnosed and treated as early as possible in order to aid their bones in growing and developing at a normal pace. Children with severe growth hormone deficiency show increased body fat, subnormal bone mineral density, and reduced lean body mass and could potentially develop lipid abnormalities.5 Once a child is tested for growth hormone deficiency related disorders such as short stature, a methodical approach is necessary.6 An evaluation of growth failure is needed and if there is no evidence suggesting growth hormone deficiency, then other tests are done. If there are abnormalities suggesting growth hormone deficiency, then growth hormone stimulation tests and an MRI of the brain could be suggested.6 If a child does not undergo treatment once diagnosed with growth deficiency, he or she might not attain a normal height etc., when becoming an adult.7 Once a child is on a treatment plan, strict adherence is important to achieve the maximal benefits of growth hormone therapy. Early initiation of growth hormone treatment in children with isolated growth hormone deficiency improves their chance of achieving their genetic height potential.8 Once a diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency has been made, it is recommended that treatment with GH is initiated as soon as possible.8 The first year is a crucial indicator.8 Children who are on hormone treatment typically grow more over the first year of treatment, and further over the next 2 years.9 “Growth hormone continues to play an important metabolic role in adulthood long after the completion of linear growth, so growth hormone may become a lifelong therapy for children with childhood growth hormone deficiency whose condition persists into adulthood,” says Professor Thandrayen, Paediatric Endocrinologist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. If effective, therapy should be continued for as long as there is a clinical benefit (defined as ongoing catch-up growth or maintenance of a normal growth velocity).5 The Growth Journey App To aid parents in checking their children’s growth, Novo Nordisk has launched an app for growth monitoring in September 2020 called the Growth Journey App. The Growth Journey App is a free growth tracking app that uses a phone’s camera to help you track a child’s growth regularly.10 Parents can easily track their child’s growth as the app automatically measures a child’s height

November 20, 2020

Teaching kids how to plan

As parents, we want our children to do well, succeed and be the best they can be. However, one critical question that we often leave out is, do they know the steps needed to accomplish this? I spent a lot of time telling my children to study, and then they would go to their rooms for hours on end and produce something that I consider underwhelming at best. It was only after years of parenting in this no-win mode and assisting my children with their ADHD difficulties that I finally got it. The most important thing that our children need to learn to study is how to plan their work before going about it. This includes many skills including: time management, goal setting, future thinking, prioritising, and organising. Only after these skills are in place can specific study skills be taught. Plan to succeed If children do not have a plan for how to go about their work or how to get started, how will they succeed? Planning can be taught in simple ways from a young age. When our kids are still young, we can start casually introducing the idea of planning by talking about how we would plan leisure activities. For example, if we were going to the beach, ask your child how they would pack the cooler box. It might look something like this: Fruit at the bottom Hotdog buns on top of the fruit Cooldrinks on top The example given above is an example of poor planning. In essence, planning reflects the ability to think logically and sequentially to achieve a goal. Teaching this from early on equips our children for many aspects of life. Seeing as so much of life is about planning effectively, mundane as that may sound. Set realistic goals Planning is the first step in goal setting and becomes more complex as the child gets older, and there are more responsibilities and less time. Your child needs to be equipped with the necessary skills to embark on their work efficiently. These vital skills include: planning, prioritising, organising, and time management. The middle years of primary school, around the time Grade 4 begins, the workload increases, and new subjects are introduced. This is the ideal time to start teaching planning in a more structured way. At this stage, homework is no longer work that has to be completed for the next day, but there may be a test in a few days, a project or speech for the following week and so on, which requires adequate planning. Whatever we are trying to teach our children should ideally be done in a fun way to increase their motivation and get their cooperation. Also read: Encouraging your child to succeed the do’s and don’ts Stay organised Going with your child to the shops to buy a planner or personal organiser that looks appealing to them, or even making one together can be a fun activity to get started. The most important thing when teaching our children planning is not just about writing out what is due but showing them how to create the time to slot the work into the rest of their lives. They need to take the following into account: homework, extracurricular activities, appointments, and social arrangements. Too often I had heard the cry of “I have plenty time” only to find them in tears the day before because they didn’t realise how much work they had to do or how long it would take. Start with the due date Therefore, the first thing to write on the planner is the due date for the task, assignment, or test. Using a brightly coloured marker to draw attention to it is also a good idea. After that, start to work backwards, filling in their daily activities, extracurricular activities and so on. Remember to block out the weekends in which they should not have to do any work if your children are still young. Write in the planner with your children by your side, giving their input to involve them as that is the best way for them to integrate it and show them how to have a realistic view of the time they have vs what they think they have. There is often a mismatch between the two! Plan backwards to move forwards Once the initial planning schedule has been done, which can be summarised by the phrase ‘plan backwards to move forwards’, then similar steps can be done daily. Sit with your child and see what homework they have for the day and decide whether they want to get that out of the way first before doing the work expected in a few days or vice versa. Again, this starts to give them the concept of planning within the day, prioritising and finding out for themselves what works best for them. These are skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their learning journey. Also read: There’s more to life than academic achievement Develop a good work ethic What I have learned is that results truly do not count until Grade 11 BUT what makes a huge difference is our children developing a good work ethic from as early on as possible to carry them through and to make the final few grades as pain-free as possible. Planning is the beginning point of developing that work ethic and the sooner your child gets the concept of it, the better prepared they are for academic success. Who knows, it may help you, as the parent, to be better prepared too! by Lorian Phillips

November 16, 2020

Five fun and educational activities that you can do with LEGO® bricks

As school holidays are upon us, many parents are looking for ways to not only keep boredom at bay but also ensure that their kids are learning and mindfully engaged in the process. And while screen time can be a great way for kids to keep busy and entertained, it’s also a good idea to find balance between digital and real-life play. Here are five fun activities that kids, parents and siblings can try out together as a family using LEGO® bricks and sets at home. Perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers LEGO® DUPLO® bricks are ideal for toddlers, and thankfully there are a number of games and activities they can safely enjoy using these sets. Little ones will likely get a kick out of the ‘where’s the brick?’ game. Grab three plastic cups and hide a LEGO DUPLO brick under one of them. Now, swop them around and see if your little one can find which cup the brick is hidden under. To make it more challenging add in a few more cups and LEGO DUPLO bricks of different colours. This is a great way to help train your child’s visual memory. Help little ones to hone their observation skills with a game of ‘spot the difference’. Simply build two LEGO DUPLO towers, with a few small differences in one of them, and see if your toddler can spot what’s different. Now, take the first one away and see if your little one can remember all the differences. You can also create more differences and use more bricks once they’re comfortable with the game and understand how it works. Fun for ages four and up Kids aged four years and older will be able to tackle slightly more technical activities but, remember to keep it light and fun so they don’t lose interest. Build a LEGO maze using LEGO bricks from your collection at home or using the LEGO® Classic Creative Brick Boxes on a LEGO Baseplate, and toss in a small round object to see if it will make it through the maze. Encourage healthy competition by getting each family member to build their own maze and see which rolling object makes it through the maze the fastest. Another fun challenge for kids of this age is to build a boat made of LEGO bricks and load it up with coins to see which one floats the longest. This is a great way to challenge a child’s imagination and encourage them to get as creative as they would like with their boat structures, while developing fine motor skills too. It’s also a great way to incorporate water and teach kids the science behind buoyancy. Older children (six years and up) would of course need a little more stimulation and more of a challenge to keep them interested. The Ziploc Challenge, where kids need to try to build a LEGO brick structure through a sealed plastic bag, is a great way to keep playtime stimulating and fun for the whole family. Decide on an object or character that each player needs to build, add a time limit to make it more exciting, and include friendly penalties for players who open their bags, for example. Remember to keep the mood light and positive, and to make sure that the rules are flexible. It’s a good idea to give toddlers a little more time to complete their activities too, and to make time to engage in playtime with the kids, which has been proven to be tons more fun for little ones (and moms and dads, too!). These are just a few of the many ideas out there designed to keep little ones busy at home, but you can find more super-fun activity ideas and challenges at www.lego.com, as well as by searching the #letsbuildtogether tag online.

October 30, 2020

FISHER-PRICE INVITES YOU ON A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH THE POP ART-NOSTALGIA-PACKED ‘FISHER-PRICE TOY MUSEUM’

Fisher-Price, the leading baby and infant pre-school brand across the world, is throwing open the virtual doors to its brand new Fisher-Price Toy Museum – the first-of-its-kind experience which digitally showcases classic Fisher-Pricetoys from the past nine decades in a colourful and fun exhibition especially created and curated for Instagram. In what is being dubbed the ultimate trip down memory lane for people of all ages, the grand opening of the Fisher-Price Toy Museum will be on 16October where visitors to the official Fisher-Price Instagram page will be able to rekindle their relationship with some of their favourite Fisher-Price toys through a colourful and interactive exhibition of images and videos. Today, the world-famous toy company has released 9 images to select press outlets to preview what visitors to the museum can expect to see when they log on. At the museum, the legacy of Fisher-Price toys will be on full display. In honour of the brand’s anniversary year, the museum will feature more than 90 different exhibits that will be organised by decade, enabling visitors to easily locate the vintage toys from their childhood. The launch collection will include a variety of classic products creatively designed by artist and designer Leila Fakouri, who focused on keeping the toys as the star of each environment while incorporating dimensions and textures to create an authentic museum feel. Specific exhibits include Snoopy Sniffer, which launched in 1938, and sits atop a fabricated slice of blueberry pie, the iconic Roller Skates, which were first introduced in 1983, and are showcased in a miniature roller skating rink complete with the wood paneled flooring and carpeted walls, and the Soothe & Glow Seahorse, which launched in 2008, and is displayed underwater in an aquarium setting. Artist and designer Leila Fakouri says: “These toys were designed and created in a variety of time periods spanning almost a century. Each decade has its own style, colours, vibe and nostalgic memories. I focused on bringing this to life by curating a beautiful and complex variety of installations that reflect the visual language of each time.” “The Fisher-Price Toy Museum was inspired by the idea that, whether you were born in the 1950s, 1980s or 2000s, everyone has a memory of their favorite childhood toy, and many of those are from Fisher-Price,” said Chuck Scothon, SVP and Global Head of Infant and Preschool, Mattel. “The intent of this museum is to take visitors back to their unique childhood experiences, and give them the opportunity to relive their youth, even if just for a few moments.” Fisher-Price are partnering with Time Out across Europe for the launch of the Virtual Toy Museum. Creative content will be produced for 7 markets including London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin, Istanbul, Athens encouraging parents to visit the Fisher-Price Toy Museum on Instagram and revisit the decade they grew up in. The content hosted on Time Out will include digital features and social campaigns. Celebrating a 90-year milestone since its early founding in June 1930. The pioneering US based company, which has been a staple in millions of happy childhoods and has a rich history of innovation, was the first to use and term the phrase ‘Preschool Toys’ (1934), the first to create licensed toys and one of the first companies to make coding available to preschool kids with the introduction of the award-winning Code-A-Pillar (2016). In 2020, during the global COVID pandemic, Fisher-Price released a special edition line of collectible action figures and Little People Community Champions called the #ThankYouHeroes where all net proceeds go to charities supporting COVID efforts. The company recently launched a new multi-year, 360-degree marketing campaign titled, “Let’s Be Kids,” that celebrates seeing the world as kids see it, with optimism and humour whilst also extending an open invitation to grown-ups to grow-down and rediscover the joy of playtime.

October 26, 2020

The best jobs for near-perfect work-life balance

Work-life balance is and probably always will be a hot topic for all South African families as more and more of us strive to hit the sweet spot between our personal and professional lives. How are you dividing your time and focus between the office and your time with your family? As more and more people start searching for jobs suitable to their lifestyles, there seems to be a growing demand for roles that separate professional from personal. We did some digging to find out which jobs offer the best of both worlds, and here’s what we found. Roles with the most promising work-life balance Game Designer The guys (and girls) behind the creation of your favourite video games also have some of the best work-life balance perks. Unlike game developers – who implement the operation of games – game designers sketch and implement the user experience and interface of games. This role calls for a lot of creative skills but rewards employees with having a hand in tech innovation and workplace wellbeing that can’t be matching in many industries. Average salary – R530,000 per year Social Media Manager Social Media Managers ensure that a company’s digital marketing efforts are as effective as can be. This is a role that has evolved from a part-time tole to a full-fledged career because social media platforms are now the main point of interaction between brands and their target audiences. Because this job is very digitally focused, there are a bunch of fantastic telecommuting opportunities on offer out there, all of which offers excellent work-life balance. Average salary – R300,000 per year Investment Advisor Financial advisors ensure that their clients have the best possible investment portfolio. These professionals have a deep understanding of the markets, financial levels of their clients, and their specialities, which is why they can help their clients make the most financially-sound decisions. Although deadlines might keep them on their toes from time to time, investment advisors generally have a generous amount of “off-time” in which they can bond with their families. Average salary – R490,000 per year Tour Guide Tour guides make use of their skills and knowledge they have of a particular location, escorting guests around points of attraction and providing guidance when needed. Although the schedule of tour guides ultimately depends on the industry they choose, some roles are busier during specific seasons of the year while others are busy year-round. Average salary – R200,000 per year Real Estate Agent Jobs in real estate vary a lot depending on your role, industry, and the demand. From finding and showing houses to brokering, real estate agents do a bit of everything. While real estate investor duties have high requirements to ensure a positive ROI, these careers often come with a lot of flexibility too. Average salary – R300,000 per year Final thoughts If finding a role that offers the best work-life balance is a high priority to you, it’s time to make it happen! There are thousands of jobs out there that can provide the best of both worlds so you can still have a life outside of work. Why not head over to Adzuna’s online listings right now and start browsing? The job of your dreams could be just one click away!

October 22, 2020

Only 36% of users in South Africa have unique passwords for each account, Kaspersky study shows

Internet users across the globe are yet to master how to use passwords effectively to protect themselves online. Research from Kaspersky has shown that people are putting their online safety at risk by making bad password decisions and simple password mistakes that may have far-reaching consequences. According to the latest Kaspersky report*, only 36% of local Internet users surveyed create new passwords for different online accounts and a worrying 16% use the same password for all their online accounts. Should one password be leaked, these people are therefore at risk of having every account hacked and exploited. The study also shows that people are mistreating their passwords – by using insecure methods to remember them. Almost a third locally (23%) admitted to writing their passwords down in a notepad to help remember them, 18% let the browsers to store password, while one-in ten (10%) store them in a file on the computer or even write down on a piece of paper near the computer (7%). Even if a password is strong, this leaves the user vulnerable because other people may see and use it. “We are now living in a high-tech world where IDs are no longer physical materials, but logical and represented by user accounts. These user accounts are protected with passwords; passwords where consumers use them to manage online accounts for everything from mobile banking, online shopping, checking the weather or booking a taxi. So, they should be taking better care to protect themselves with effective password security as these passwords represent their IDs. This seems obvious, but many might not realise that they are falling into the trap of making simple password management mistakes. These mistakes, in turn, are effectively like leaving the front door open to emails, bank accounts, personal files and more,” says Maher Yamout, Senior Security Researcher at Kaspersky. To ensure the safety of personal data, Kaspersky recommends users: Minimise the number of people you share account login information with and never leave passwords where others might find them Try Kaspersky Secure Password Check. The service allows you to check how strong your password is, and how long it will take to crack it. Use strong and robust passwords generated by a reliable security solution like Kaspersky Password Manager. This will produce secure, unique passwords for each account every time and help you resist the temptation to re-use the same password more than once. Change your passwords as frequent as possible to avoid the associated risks with Internet leaks, password guessing or phishing attacks. For more advice on how to keep your personal information protected and to read the report in full, visit the link. Reference: *Kaspersky Global Privacy Report 2020: https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/global-privacy-report-2020/

October 16, 2020

Working from home in South Africa

If you have been contemplating the idea of leaving the world of open-plan offices behind and embarking on a journey towards working from home in South Africa, you are not alone. 2017 stats from Dimension Data indicated that 42% of all South African companies had employees working from home on a full-time basis. Regus also reported that up to 75% of South Africans that work from home feel like they’re much more productive in a home office environment than they would be in an open office. Working from home has many benefits, but it takes dedication and smart strategies to pull it off successfully. As a remote worker, you will need to figure out when to work, where to work, and how to set healthy boundaries between your work life and your personal life. How to work from home in South Africa With the country’s economy on a downturn and the effects of corporate downsizing being felt across the board, more and more South Africans are considering the idea of working from home. But working from home isn’t as simple as it might seem. It can be hard to manage expectations from your employer, and not to mention all the little home chores that can easily distract you. Some issues might not even have crossed your mind yet. Is the computer software you have at home up to the task? How will you network if you sit at home all day? Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when starting out on your remote working journey: 1. Start by setting up the right space The most essential element for any kind of creative work is to find a dedicated working space. If you share a space with a partner or have the kids home too, merely plopping your laptop down on the kitchen counter and thinking you’re all set isn’t going to work. You need to be able to get your job done without getting in the way of others that share the house with you. Try to find a space in your home (other than a bedroom) where you’ll set up your office. 2. Gear yourself with the right equipment Without the right equipment, you might as well head back to the office. You need the following to complete basic tasks in your home office environment: Laptop or computer Stable and reliable internet Secure remote access to your company’s internal network or intranet Access to corporate emails A company phone 3. Create some structure for your day You need to structure your workday by planning out which tasks need to take priority and how many hours you will spend on each job. You also need to schedule breaks so that you’ll stay productive and ready for the next challenge. There is a difference between efficiency and productivity, and without a set structure in place, it is easy to get distracted. 4. Use flexibility to your advantage If you are getting the work done and keeping up good quality standards with regards to deadlines, you should be able to work during your most productive hours, which is part of the beauty of having a flexible schedule. Unless your boss expects you to be able to communicate in real-time during company business hours, you should take advantage of the time you have on your hands and get as much as possible done during your most productive hours. 5. Ensure you are always online As a remote worker, your most important bills will not be for software upgrades or new computers; they will be for uncapped, unshaped fibre internet. Your smartphone and apps like Dropbox ensure that you’re always online and available when your team needs you most. 6. Be disciplined The amount of success you achieve by working from home really depends on how seriously you treat it. For all goals and purposes, you need to apply the same kind of discipline a traditional office setup demands. Although it might sound counter-intuitive, getting ready for work every morning Is very useful to help set the stage for discipline. Get dressed in something you would be happy to wear if you were working in an office, and ensure you are available between 8:30 am and 5 pm. 7. Stay active Once you have settled into a routine where you are successfully working from home, it can be easy to forget about some of the obvious benefits of working in a traditional office. As much as you hated the daily commute to work, the walk from your car to the office was still some form of exercise. Therefore, it is vital to get out of the house daily, even if it is just to go grab some lunch. 8. Remember: You are not a hermit Human contact is yet another benefit of the traditional office setup. While Facebook and other forms of social media are great tools for catching up on the news, it is still important to make time to spend some actual (face-to-face) time with clients, have lunch with friends and generally just get out of the house, so you see something other than the wall behind your computer screen every day. The ins and outs of working from home in South Africa Before you start picking out your home office furniture, it is important to understand the pros and cons of working from home. If you are considering remote jobs, here are some potential advantages and pitfalls to think about before logging in from home: Advantages of working from home You are independent This goes far beyond the allure of getting to work in your pyjamas. Working from home means you will have to learn to rely on self-motivation, self-discipline, focus and concentration. It sounds simple and obvious, but time management and scheduling are super important skills for any employee working from home. You get more done You can be much more productive in your home office – if you aren’t hitting the mall when you should

October 14, 2020

Planning a party on a budget

Trust me it can be done, and you can still have lots of fun! I need to add a disclaimer here – I am all for people having large and lavish parties for their kids if they can afford it and all power to them, so if you are one of those parents you can stop reading and move on. I am a mom who is very chilled when it comes to parties and I always try and keep things to a minimum while my kids still have a lot of fun, in fact they talk about their parties for days afterwards which is basically all I ever want as a parent, happy children who felt very special on their birthday and I promise it does not have to break the bank. I have 2 boys and their birthdays are less than 2 weeks apart, although there is a 4-year age gap between them. During lockdown this year James turned 12 and Connor turned 8 but we unfortunately could not have a party, but they were completely fine with that and I am very proud of them. In general, as a family we have always kept our parties low key mainly with a family braai in the afternoon while having a small party of maximum of 10 kids in the morning. Having both the braai and the party on the same day means the family gets to enjoy the excitement of the party and you do not have to spend extra money on party food etc on 2 different days – bonus for your budget if you ask me! As you can see, practicality wins the day when it comes to celebrating in my household. My kids sit down with me and together we choose a party theme (they must both agree on 1 theme which sometimes does take a while). They each get to choose 5 friends to invite and we go from there. With the exception of one year we have always had our parties at our house which again makes it more budget friendly. I am also lucky enough to be a graphic designer by trade, so I design all my own invitations and decorations, but I still normally keep things simple. Although I do have a confession to make – I do splurge on balloons because what is a party without lots of balloons! Right, enough about me and my kids, let us get down to how YOU can plan your own party on a budget. I am not going to go into hectic detail just give you quick rundown on what to think about. First rule – before you even start chatting to your kids about their party or planning anything you need to decide how much money you can afford to spend on your party. NEVER promise your kids anything before you know you can afford it because that is when disappointment happens, smaller kids won’t understand why you promised them a clown or a magician and then when their party comes around there isn’t one they will be very disappointed… and trust me they WILL REMEMBER… kids remember everything that you promise them whether you want them to or not! So, you have sat down and worked out how much you can afford for your party, now onto the next step – the venue. Are you going to have the party at home? Can you have a party at your home, or do you live somewhere where you need to have the party elsewhere? Obviously if you are not able to hold the party at your home then your first big decision has been made for you. A budget friendly tip is if you cannot afford a venue why not ask if you can hold the party at a friend or family member’s house to keep your costs down. If you are still stuck for a venue how about using a local park, the beach or even the local public swimming pool. I am not going to go into details about actual party venues as there are so many options available and the cost can go from reasonable to extravagant so all I am going to say about it is this, do your homework on the different venue options you have available to you, find out if they offer any sort of discounts or extra’s before making your final decision. Right, so you have your budget sorted, your venue sorted and by now you have decided how many kids are being invited… now it is time to think about your actual party. How much money have you got left to spend on invitations, party food, party décor etc? Invitations Nowadays invitations can be as expensive or as budget friendly as you like. In fact, they could even cost you nothing. If you are on a very tight budget how about using your computer and creating your own simple invitation to send out electronically via email or whatsapp. I cannot remember the last time I printed invitations for any of my parties. If you do not want to or can’t design your own invitation there are graphic designers (like myself) who will design a personalised digital invitation especially for your child’s party. I am not sure how everyone else works but I create invitations and then I just whatsapp them to all the parents of the kids invited. I find that a lot less hassle than printing each out and then sending them to school with your child and hope he/she hands them out and doesn’t forget them… and then of course making sure the person it was intended for actually received their invitation. A few years ago, I was emptying out my son’s school bag and found an invitation to a party that was a month past… he had completely forgotten about it! Décor Again, décor can also be as budget friendly or as expensive as you like. I found a great

October 8, 2020

Modern children and where to find them: 73% of South African parents do not track their children’s location

Parents have always managed to set geographical boundaries – where their children could go and where they could not – back in time. Nowadays there is another opportunity to monitor the child’s whereabouts – to track the location of them using special software. Yet, according to Kaspersky’s special survey for parents, not many parents in South Africa realise this. According to the “Responsible Digital Parenting” survey*, 73% of South African parents do not track the location of their child. The reasons for this vary: 37% have never thought of tracking the location, while 31% do not know how to do it. There is an option to have the software, which lets parents locate their children on a map and set a safe area for them to stay in, installed on their children’s devices. However, 41% of parents in South Africa claim they do not have it installed on any of their devices. “Modern times offer a wide range of tools which can help in preventing accidents in real or digital life. It is crucial to know how to use them, what their benefits are, and, actually, use them. Tracking your child’s location can definitely save you a lot of trouble – its advantages lie also in the fact that it allows to control not only digital, but also real life of the child,” commented Andrey Sidenko, Head of Child Safety at Kaspersky Network. To secure and protect your child both in digital and in real life, Kaspersky strongly recommends following this advice: Learn more on the topic of children’s cybersecurity: explore modern trends, apps, the way of behavior that has to be adopted in order to safeguard against dangers (for instance, the basic security rules while on the Internet); update your network security knowledge periodically, use the Kaspersky blog https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/ to do this. Communicate with your child and define the borders which are not meant to be crossed: discuss with them safe locations both real and webpages. Install a reliable security solution such as Kaspersky Safe Kids to monitor your child’s activity successfully. Reference: *The “Responsible Digital Parenting” survey was implemented in conjunction with Toluna research agency in the end of 2019 – beginning of 2020. 5000 respondents from META region and Baltic states participated in the survey.

October 8, 2020

RUST-OLEUM LAUNCHES LOCKDOWN EBOOK TO KEEP KIDS CRAFTING

Crazy Cool Kid’s Crafting is a digital showcase of inspired, fun and absorbing DIY projects for kids. Each idea uses commonly found items at home – illustrating how to easily reuse and repurpose them with spray paint. From rocks, bottles and jars to tin cans – each idea will get children to engage with their creative brain; allowing them to express themselves through art while also having fun. Commenting on the launch of the free eBook, Rust-Oleum® marketing manager, Lani Carstens says that now more than ever children need positive input in their lives and some happy distraction. “It would be irresponsible to think little people are not feeling the effects of the lockdown this year and they too need to keep their minds off what’s going on. Routines have been disrupted and for those still at home or only partially back at school – it’s a strange time. They miss their ‘normal’ activities, parties and playdates. We are hoping that these pages of inspiration will add some colour and joy to their day – and help parents keep their kids busy,” adds Carstens. From zombie pet rocks to stationery caddies and tin can lights – each project from yesteryear has how to step by step instructions. Although simple in their execution – some ideas are more advanced and will require adult input or at least some supervision. “Several different images have been included per project page. They are not meant to be prescriptive just a guideline; we hope our eBook will spark creativity and stoke imaginations so they run wild,” says Carstens. “The possibilities of spray paint are endless and we have an extensive range of colours and products for different substrates. You can quite literally reinvent anything in your home. We want children to reimagine and recreate with our paints so they can see colour in their lockdown world and beyond.” The 10 projects in this the first issue of Crazy Cool Kids Crafting, include: Carnival Hit and Miss – using tin cans Pen and Pencil Stationery Holders – using glass bottles, jars and tin cans Magical Stone Magnets – using stones Perfect Piggy Banks – using glass preserve jars and plastic bottles Tin Can Stilts – using tin cans Tin Can Lights – using tins cans Pet Pocket Rocks – using stones Stone Photo Holders – using stones Pretty Pots – using cement, terracotta and plastic Tic-Tac-Toe – using stones “We hope South Africans will take pleasure in Crazy Cool Kids Crafting – activity that’s not digital and keeps them off screens. Aside from keeping busy, it’s a great opportunity to teach children about sustainability and the value of reusing and recycling. That and it’s empowering to create something to play with that doesn’t come out of a toyshop.

October 5, 2020

Kaspersky registers growing interest in PlayStation 5 among cybercriminals

Kaspersky experts have recently detected a growing interest among phishers and scammers in the popular game console PlayStation, the new version of which is going to be launched in November. In the period of July – September 2020, there was discovered almost 150 suspicious web resources around the world with the word ‘playstation’ in their names. So far in September alone, Kaspersky experts found more than 60 such sites. However, in reality there may be a lot more. The phishing websites were mainly offering the chance to pre-order PlayStation 5 by leaving a prepayment or personal information. On some sites it was supposedly even possible to purchase a console at a reduced price. There were also resources where the previous version of the console – PlayStation 4 – was on offer for much lower prices, with the major discounts attributed to the release of PS5. “We want to remind users that if something looks too good to be true on the Internet, then it’s most probably a scam. Sales and pre-order messages are worth checking with reliable sources. You should not follow links in suspicious emails or messages sent via messaging services or social networks. It’s also a good idea to install a security solution with up-to-date databases of phishing and spam resources”, comments Tatyana Sidorina, Lead Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky. Kaspersky experts advise the following tips to protect against phishing threats: Always double-check the URLs of links shared in unexpected messages or those from an unknown sender, to make sure that they are genuine and do not cover another hyperlink that leads to a malicious page or download. If you are not sure that a website is genuine and secure, never enter your credentials or personal information. If you think that you may have entered your login and password on a fake page, immediately change your password and call your bank or other payment provider if you think your card details may have been compromised. Always use a secure Wi-Fi connection, especially when visiting sensitive websites. Do not use public Wi-Fi without a password. If you are using an insecure connection, cybercriminals can redirect you to phishing pages without your knowledge. For added security, use VPN solutions that encrypt your traffic, such as Kaspersky Secure Connection. Use a security solution with behaviour-based anti-phishing technologies, such as Kaspersky Security Cloud or Kaspersky Total Security, which will warn you if you are trying to visit a phishing web page.

October 2, 2020

What is the Future of Work going to be for your kids?

Work as we know it is changing. Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) automation, and robotics will overhaul work at the same level as mechanisation did in prior generations of agriculture and manufacturing. With this change, some jobs will be lost, many others created, but almost all will change. What does this mean for your kids? We are living in a technology driven world. Things we thought were exciting elements of Sci-Fi movies a decade ago are being incorporated into our daily lives today. Artificial Intelligence as a service (for example, customer enquiries handled by an algorithm), cars that drive themselves (Tesla’s complete autonomous car is to be released this year and Google’s sister company Waymo has just completed a trial of autonomous taxis in California transporting over 6200 people) and machines that read X-Rays are just the tip of the iceberg. Even though most of us can’t wait for the day that all taxis in SA are driven by safety aware machines, the impact is still profound – what about all those jobs? Never before in history, has the choice of your child’s education been more important. McKinsey and Company estimates that over 50 million new technology jobs, 130 million new health care jobs and 20 million new jobs from energy investment will be created by 2030. Startlingly, between 400 and 800 million individuals could be displaced by automation and need to find a new job by 2030 globally. Will there be enough work in the future? History would suggest that we need not fear, 8 – 9% of 2030 labour demand will be in new types of employment. There are a few key examples from history which we can rely on to give us some key insight into labour demand of the future. After ATMs were introduced in the USA, the number of bank tellers actually rose as banks started competing on service rather than manual cash dispensing. Even though the number of teller per branch decreased, banks could now afford to open more branches to the convenience of customers, leading to a greater overall demand of bank tellers. The personal computer market destroyed 3.5 million jobs, but also created over 15.8 million new jobs since 1850 (now more than 10% of all jobs). Beyond this, the world is seeing growth in the labour market for numerous reasons, but mostly for the growing middle class globally (particularly in Africa and other emerging economies) due to increases in spending on consumer goods, health care and education. Most of the workplace transitions will require adopting new ways in which you conduct your work (think of how the COVID pandemic saw your work life transform), and there are numerous sectors that will see great growth in the labour market. About 50% of activities in all jobs today can be fully automated by existing technology and by 2030, 15 – 30% will be automated. Occupations that need less than high school (eg. logging equipment operators, taxi drivers) and the jobs that need a high school qualification (ex. stock clerks, travel agents, firefighters and industrial work) and jobs that require some post school training (such as nursing assistants, web developers, electricians and legal secretaries for example) show the greatest potential of being automatable with more than 50% of the work activities to be displaced by 2030. Occupations that are typical of Bachelors and graduate degrees (such as lawyers, doctors, teachers, statisticians, chief executives) have about 22% automatable tasks. The real question is, are your kids getting prepared for this rapid change? It is important to pay attention to the following changes, since these will be central to the evolution from today’s world of work into the Future of Work. Activities such as predictable physical work, data collection and data processing will see the big losses in demand. Machines do these type of things better than us. Applying expertise, interacting with stakeholders, managing and developing people will see great demand increases. Machines can’t do this. A distinct shift in capabilities and skills will be needed. Social and emotional skills are the future key metrics in the workplace. Advanced cognitive abilities such as logical reasoning and creativity will be a requirement for almost every job. Key competence in technology is a no brainer. There will be very few places in the world that will see jobs created for workers that are not equipped with advanced technology skills. Many have expressed concern that in today’s world a degree is not enough. However, trends in advanced economies suggest that there will be a drop in jobs available to those without tertiary level qualifications. Advanced degrees (Masters and Doctorates) will become increasingly important, not for the niche fields in which they place the graduates, but for the key skills development in critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. These degrees will equip students with the necessary cognitive skills to outperform machines, but the gap between what degrees teach and what the job market needs has never before been any larger than it is today. There exists a disconnect between what education providers believe they are delivering (over 72% believe new graduates are ready for work) whereas 39% of employers say that a skills shortage is the cause for entry-level vacancies not being filled. So, what is the answer? Let children be children, but at the same time expose them to the wonderful changes that are occurring in our world. On an individual level, learners and students must be prepared for lifelong learning. Students must be prepared for a rapidly evolving future of work, and acquiring skills that are in demand and re-examining the notions of traditional careers (where and how they work, and what talents and capabilities they bring to the table) is key. The key attributes of a successful future worker include: Key skills in digital technology. Every job that exists today will transform into an occupation that needs digital skills. Knowledge of programming and other key digital technology skills will not be reserved

September 28, 2020

Bonitas takes the edge off contribution increases

Financially solid, younger new members, two new plans, virtual healthcare and a renewed focus on Managed Care for chronic diseases are just a few of the insights from the Bonitas 2021 product launch. But it is the annual contribution increases which are highly anticipated and the moment of truth for all medical schemes. Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund announced an unprecedented 0% increase on its BonFit Select plan and a weighted increase of 4.6% across all plans. The highest increase is 7.1%. ‘Members on our growth options, which contribute to 91% of business, will only experience an increase on 3.9%. I think, looking at the pricing and the benefit richness we offer in comparison to the market, the changes for 2021 will be well received.’ He says, ‘The guidelines received from the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), clearly highlighted that medical schemes should limit contribution increases as far as possible. We crunched numbers and worked tirelessly to find the sweet-spot between sustainability and ensuring affordability. Not an easy task, especially in a weakened economy. We took a responsible stance, with a long-term view, to ensure that our members wouldn’t have to pay the price of a low increase for 2021 in the coming years. One of our core considerations was finding ways to ensure members could get access to full healthcare cover and avoid out-of-pocket expenses and co-payments.’ Pricing and technology Seven of our current options are priced between R1 500 and R3 000 which is where the medical scheme market is experiencing growth currently. Member behaviour has changed significantly and demand is for innovation, accessibility and technology. This has the benefit of attracting, a younger, target audience and driving sustainability. We can’t talk about 2020 without mentioning Covid-19. Key trends that emerged from a medical schemes perspective were: Changes to benefit structures and PMBs Lower than anticipated investment income as markets slumped Changes in claiming patterns in terms of seasonality and volume, due to the lockdown measures that came into effect And a Consumer Price Index that was lower than previous years which is expected to be at around 3.9% in 2021 In an industry like ours, it’s challenging to be different – to innovate, disrupt…to be better. But not impossible. The Fund needed to make short-term decisions with the long-term view and sustainability in mind. One of the highlights over the past few years, has been the introduction of four Efficiency Discounted Options (EDOs). Plans whereby members use network healthcare providers and pay around 15% less for the same benefits. The EDOs cover over 74 000 lives and the principal members who join are around 10 years younger than the average Bonitas member. 2021 – changes, contribution increases and enhancements Over the past five years, we have proactively driven innovative product design, actuarial modelling and constant engagement with various stakeholders. We believe we offer the ultimate split risk solution, with a comprehensive product range and diversified membership base. To stay at the forefront of innovation we have introduced: Edge – a new category driven by technology, intelligence and innovation, with two plans called BonStart and BonStart Plus. These are designed for economically active singles or couples, living in the larger metros. The plans include access to: A private hospital network and full cover for emergencies; PMB chronic medicine; excellent day-to-day benefits including unlimited GP consultations; layers of virtual care, dental and optical benefits; preventative care; wellness screenings; contraceptives and more. The cost: R1 452 and R1 731 respectively for the principal member. Managed Care One of the leading trends worldwide is the rise in non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and oncology. In fact, during this global pandemic, the impact lifestyle diseases and comorbidities had on Covid-19 patients was put in the spotlight. 20% of our members have multiple comorbidities which means, even without the pandemic, we need a stronger focus on preventing and managing lifestyle behaviours. Poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise are the three lifestyle factors that contribute to over 80% of chronic conditions. Managed Care continues to be a focus to empower members to take charge of their health and support them along the way. Home-based care During Covid-19, home-based care received renewed interest and focus. This dovetails with our strategy to move more care to the home and out of hospital. As an example, post-surgery or mild pneumonia, treatment can be effectively provided at home through the assistance of nurses. Not only is home-based care a cost effective delivery of care but it also promotes healing. Studies show that patients recover faster in their comfort of their own home. Day hospitals We believe the use of day hospitals and clinics should be encouraged, where possible. Some procedures such as cataract surgery, circumcisions and scopes are better suited to be performed in day hospitals or clinics versus larger hospitals. There is minimum disruption to members, speedier recovery times, less risk of infection and day hospital are also a more cost effective alternative. Technology One of the key learnings has been adapting to a new way of working – with virtual technology at the forefront. The WhatsApp channel we introduced has the most room for potential. This platform is convenient for members and allows them to manage their medical aid through live chats. Virtual Care There was a positive response to the launch of the new Bonitas Member Mobile App and free virtual care for all South Africans. This provided access to GP consultations for a range of conditions, including Covid-19, as well as free delivery for chronic medicine. At the heart of the model is the GP. This aligns to our care coordination initiatives, ensuring members receive the right level of care and support in managing their conditions. It allows access to a virtual nurse, advice in an emergency, auxiliary and home- based care, ensuring members have comprehensive support for any condition, in any circumstance, through our virtual based model. We’re pleased to announce that this model is unique and

September 23, 2020

Ten tips to upgrade your work-from-home experience

If working from home is your new normal, so too are the aches, pains and headaches that come from being hunched over a laptop in a dark corner of the bedroom or a makeshift home office. Many office-based workers aren’t going to be returning to the office any time soon. Even when the lockdown is over a proportion of those will want to continue working from home at least a few days a week. The convenience of working from home, avoiding South Africa’s notorious urban rush-hour gridlocks and the increased productivity that most WFH advocates claim, all help make the case for a workforce that gets up and gets to work in the same place. If you’re one of them and working from home is a long-term reality, it’s time to chuck out the telephone directories you’ve been using to prop up your laptop, telling the kids to stop using all the bandwidth before your next Zoom meeting, save a bit of money on the chiropractor and invest in some decent tech. You’ll probably have a work-supplied laptop. The big advantage of laptops are they’re portable. You can work anywhere. The major drawback is that they’re an ergonomic disaster. Anyone who’s spent a few hours hunched over a tiny keyboard, squinting at a spreadsheet and doesn’t feel like they’ve been lifting bags of concrete either has rubber shoulders and wrists or a very expensive physio. Shafeeqah Isaacs, head of consumer education at financial services provider, DirectAxis, says by investing a little in a few bits of technology and some decidedly low-tech solutions you can make some of the pain and frustrations of working at home go away. “So many of us just adapted to working from home as a necessity, but perhaps didn’t give much thought to how we were setting up our workspaces and the potential implications, in terms of our own comfort and ability to do the job as efficiently and professionally as in the office.” As a first step to banish the Hunchback of Excel Spreadsheets, get a decent keyboard. There are plenty on the market, from standard keyboards that plug into a USB port on your laptop to fancier, more expensive alternatives that connect via Bluetooth and even ergonomically designed versions. Choose one that suits your budget, needs and preferences. Then you’ll need to consider how to get your monitor at eye-height so a few hours at your desk doesn’t literally become a pain in the neck. Rather than the pile of telephone directories or old shoe box you’ve been using, there are plenty of adjustable laptop stands you can buy which allow you to lift the screen to a comfortable height. If you have the space and money, an alternative is to buy a monitor. Again, there are plenty of options and price points, depending on whether you need the definition to do high-end graphic design or just want to knock out a deck of PowerPoint slides. Now you’ve solved the shoulder and neck issues, give some thought to your wrist. An ergonomically designed Bluetooth mouse paired with a gel wrist rest should help keep repetitive strain injuries like the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome at bay. Alternatively, a small bean bag can do the trick. Depending on your set-up you may now be running short of USB ports to plug in the keyboard, monitor, phone, external hard-drive and whatever other equipment you need. If that is a problem, consider a USB hub which allows you to plug in and charge multiple devices. Decent technology will go some way to making your home office a more comfortable place to work, but don’t overlook the basics. Even the tech set-up is unlikely to compensate for an unsuitable or uncomfortable chair. Ideally get one where you can adjust the height and back support, so you can configure it to best suit your optimal working position. If a good chair is out of your budget, set a timer on your phone to remind you to have a break and stretch every hour or so. While you’re at it think about lighting. Natural light is best, but there may not be enough where you’ve set yourself up. Also remember that if you’re doing video calls, too much natural light or light coming from behind you can make it difficult for other participants to see you. An adjustable desk lamp may be the solution. Having sorted the ergonomics, you can now turn your attention to dealing with some of the other frustrations attendant to working from home. With children not at school and possibly a spouse or partner also working from home, all gobbling bandwidth, you may need to upgrade your broadband package, particularly if you’re doing a lot of video meetings. Conferencing apps such as Zoom and Teams typically need fast broadband connections to run effectively and can consume quite a lot of data. Where possible, keep your video off and use voice-only to save data. You should also check your router. If it hasn’t been replaced in the past six years, think about getting a new one. This should increase the speed and range. If children, noisy neighbours or other distractions are interfering with your productivity or interrupting your video calls, a set of noise-cancelling headphones might be the answer. Most models now have built-in microphones, so can be used for online meetings. Another consideration for a comfortable, efficient and effective home-office set up is a decent multi-function printer. Being able to print, scan and copy at home means clients won’t have to wait until you’re next in the office or can visit a copy shop for a scan of a contract or other documentation. You should also familiarise yourself with the Fill and Sign options on your PDF readers. Using digital tools for managing and storing documents will save you printing costs, and it’s good for the planet. If you’re interested in more tips about working from home visit: https://www.directaxis.co.za/make-a-plan/stop-work-from-home-burnout

September 14, 2020

The LEGO Group launches new initiative to help parents talk to their kids about online safety and digital citizenship

The LEGO Group has recently launched Small Builds for Big Conversations, a series of creative challenges which offer parents and their kids an enjoyable, guided method to engage in conversations about being a good digital citizen and the importance of online safety. According to Kaspersky, parents spend just 46 minutes1 talking to their children about online risks throughout their entire childhood as they find it difficult to express the risks in a relatable way. Small Builds for Big Conversations has been created to address such barriers by giving parents simple, fun ways to talk to children aged six to 10 about digital safety and wellbeing while they play. The ‘Build & Talk’ challenges are based around characters built from LEGO bricks, who represent both the positive and negative aspects of life online. Parents and children are encouraged to build similar characters with LEGO bricks they have at home and use play and conversation prompts to talk about digital wellbeing, safety and potential dangers. During the pandemic, more than 290 million2 children globally were left learning from home when schools closed. As a result, online usage skyrocketed with estimates showing that screen time will have quadrupled3 for many kids by September, making it more urgent and important than ever that young children understand how to stay safe online. Without school, the onus is falling on busy parents to have important conversations around the benefits and risks of going online. Anna Rafferty, Vice President Digital Consumer Engagement, said: “As a parent I know it’s not always easy to talk to your children about being a good digital citizen in a way they understand, as they are often influenced by peer pressure and exciting digital experiences. We have a long history of creating safe digital play experiences for kids, so we wanted to give parents the confidence to connect with their children on this important topic.” “We understand the power of learning through play, which is why we’ve made the conversations playful,” added Rafferty. “LEGO bricks are great for sparking imagination and storytelling, so building characters while talking will make the experience more memorable and enjoyable for parents and kids. Today’s young children will live their lives online and many have their first digital experience before their first birthday4. Being a good digital citizen is critical for their development.” The builds are available in three themed activity packs that include two character categories: ‘The Online Explorers,’ like ‘The Giggler’ who loves to watch and make online videos, and The ‘Watch-Outs,’ like ‘The Chameleon’ who represents strangers that pretend to be friends. Each activity pack includes inspiration on how to build the characters, as well as talking points and questions to help guide the conversation between parents and their children, helping them have a natural conversation, that leads to learning while they play. The content has been developed in line with UNICEF digital safety guidelines5. “Spending time with parents and talking openly about experiences on the internet is key to keeping children safe and happy online,” said Andrew Mawson, Chief of Child Rights and Business at UNICEF. “We welcome this timely initiative by the LEGO Group to facilitate these conversations through play.” Building inspirations for all of the characters are available on www.LEGO.com. Each takes around 10 minutes to construct using existing bricks, and their physical features reflect the different aspects of being online. The ‘Build & Talk’ activity packs are available online now for free at: https://www.lego.com/aboutus/buildandtalk

September 4, 2020

University of Pretoria alumni innovate during times of crisis to bring a new online schooling platform to South Africa

The University of Pretoria (UP) has seen yet another EdTech start-up emerge into the South African market from its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Wingu Academy is a cloud-based platform offering educational support to homeschoolers, schools and tutor centres with an emphasis on quality, affordable education for the African continent. Wingu Academy boasts live classes and tutorials, 4IR aligned interactive online content and assistance with remote assessment. Wingu Academy has its head office on the University of Pretoria campus nestled in the TuksNovation accelerator program (UP’s high-tech business incubator and accelerator). Since the launch in May this year, Wingu Academy has seen rapid growth, with a vibrant community of schools, parents, tutor centres, students and tutors collaborating to bring a 4IR and social approach to learning. The growth has largely been organic, with word of mouth through digital channels delivering unprecedented interest. Interest has extended beyond South African borders to attract attention from neighbouring African countries including Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini and Zimbabwe, but has reached as far as Uganda, Rwanda, Angola, Malawi, Zambia and Kenya and even Asian and middle eastern markets with interest from Vietnam and Kuwait. Most families have sought an authentic, affordable and quality home-schooling solution. “We joined the Wingu family in June 2020. Being an academic and lecturer myself, I have high expectations of educational content, systems and facilitators or teachers.” Says Isabel, a lecturer at the University of Pretoria. “Our 11-year-old daughter has been homeschooled using the Cambridge curriculum for the past few years due to a health condition. We are truly impressed with the welcoming and supportive online community at Wingu. The exceptional online planform presents our children with the opportunity to engage with high tech education innovation with the personal touch of face to face teaching. The Wingu teaching methodology is in line with 21st-century teaching principles which will prepare our children with critical and independent thinking as well as tech skills for the 4th industrial revolution. The online platform is intuitive and interactive. It encourages children to take responsibility by preparing for lessons in a fun way using simulations and secret missions to solve problems. During face-to-face lessons, our children get the opportunity to engage with the content, a highly qualified facilitator and peers. Consolidation of new content is then done through homework activities and online quizzes. My daughter enjoys every moment at Wingu. Thank you for putting your passions into action and shaping our children’s future!” Says Isabel. The platform has been developed by UP alumni and post-graduate students from various backgrounds, teachers and in collaboration with researchers at the Wits School of Education. The focus of the platform is to deliver an international curriculum that is relevant globally. A truly blended approach is followed, with a focus on student-led learning, gamification, instant constructive feedback and alignment to the major international curriculums. The educational approach is at the forefront of the current state of the art. “Wingu Academy created a quality, safe and efficient learning environment online while maintaining social contact. We have been homeschooling for one and a half years now. Wingu’s system provides face to face contact between educator and child and classmates. In each subject, the student interacts with the educator to clarify content, discuss problems and direct learning. I am a first-time mom of a teenager. But the past month I saw her mood improving and saw her enjoying her schoolwork.” Says Dr. Philips, from the Nelson Mandela University in Port-Elizabeth. Learners enrol to experience a platform catering to their needs, with a wide variety of choices to support individual learning at home, or to supplement a program followed at a tutoring centre or school. Ages 5 – 19 are catered for on the platform, and adult learners have shown significant interest. The platform is well suited for full-time learners, global citizens that travel frequently, star athletes that need to focus on training but still want an internationally recognised education, and students that would like to obtain entrance to university degrees either locally or abroad. The qualifications catered for allow entrance into all major universities globally including Ivy-league and Oxbridge universities. The international external exams are written at examination centres closest to the candidate’s home and are examined by the major UK based examination bodies. Enrolments for the international programs are still open, with an academic program that allows students to catch-up any lost work. Candidates transition from other examinations bodies are welcome to apply. Enrolments for specially designed programs in response to the COVID-19 disruptions for the current year is still open. Enrolments to start in January 2021 has also opened. There is limited space, so reach out soon. For further information about Wingu Academy, visit their website at www.wingu-academy.com

August 28, 2020

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