ALSA: Adult Learning South Africa
Circa 2002-2005

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ALSA (Adult Learning South Africa) was a new initiative of IIZ-DVV, a German adult education and support organisation.
This was their website circa 2002-2005
The content is from the site's 2002 - 2005 archived pages.

 

Welcome to Adult Learning South Africa!

Adult education plays a vital role in developing people, reducing poverty  and building our democracy. Yet, after 10 years of freedom, over 13 million adult South Africans are still in need of an education.

Adult Learning South Africa aims to promote adult learning and  to stimulate information sharing and debate within the broad 

This page showcases innovative projects from around the country.

This month, we focus on Library Business Corners that provides small business support services through a network of local libraries in the Western Cape.

 

Free to Learn March, Cape Town 2002: 
Learners and educators marched on parliament as part of the Global Campaign for Education 
carrying a coffin to symbolise the adult education crisis in South Africa.

Advocacy campaigns have a vital role to play in promoting adult learning throughout South African society. Not only do they encourage adults to engage in a process of lifelong learning, they also help mobilise the resources needed to strengthen the adult education and development sector.

Adult Learners' Week

1-8 September Adult Learners' Week (ALW) is the highlight of the adult education calender. This global advocacy campaign aims to promote a culture of lifelong learning and enable people from all walks of life to develop their full potential.

 

Global Campaign for Education

6-13 April The Global Campaign for Education is an international movement of civil society organisations that lobby and monitor governments' efforts toward achieving the six Education for All objectives by 2015.

The highlight of the GCE International Week of Action will take place on 
9 April, when learners and educators will attempt to break the Guinness world record for the Biggest Lesson in the World.

 

UN Literacy Decade

2003-2012 This year marks the start of the United Nations' Literacy Decade which aims to reduce global illiteracy by 50% by 2015. The decade focuses on Literacy as Freedom and aims to address the needs of the poorest of the poor under the banner: Literacy for all, voice for all, learning for all.

 

 

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Library Business Corners

Library Business Corners (LBC) started five years ago, as a small pilot project that aimed to provide a cost effective service for local businesses. With support from the City of  Cape Town and provincial government, LBCs now serve entrepreneurs and small businesses through a network of 74 libraries that extends throughout the Western Cape  and the project is still growing.

The concept 
A special collection of books, newspapers, videos, journals, periodicals, brochures, pamphlets and press clippings are housed  in a designated area or corner of the library 
in order to make business information easy to find and use.

The vision
LBCs have the potential to help create jobs and alleviate poverty. South Africa has over 2 000 public libraries, which could evolve into a dense information network serving the needs of small business operators nationwide.

Increasing interest from other provinces has resulted in the LBC concept being adopted in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. LBCs have also been established at technikons in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape

How to start a Library Business Corner
LBCs can be initiated following a bottom-up or top-down approach. A local library can start an LBC-initiative as a pilot project when a librarian and her team, take an active interest in the information/literature needs of SMMEs in their area or the local municipality or organised business could initiate the process. Provincial government departments (such as Economic Affairs, the SMME Desk or Library Services) or the DTI, NAMAC or national library authorities could drive the
programme at provincial or national level. But no matter how the project begins, the commitment and interest of the local library will make or break the programme.
 

STEP 1: Establishing a dedicated space for SMMEs
The visible and attractive display of SMME-related information material is vital, because entrepreneurs and small business operators are usually not inclined to search for material in different shelves or ask for advice. The corners make it easier and more inviting for business people to find the information they need.

STEP 2: Acquiring material
Many public libraries have very little material on small business and local economic development. Thus, the purchase or supply of at least the most popular books, videos, manuals, etc. is usually the second major task of an LBC. Such a step can be facilitated through a launching grant (e.g. R5000 per library in the Western Cape), but some of the books/funds can also be mobilised in other ways for example, through private sector donations or publishers free copies.

Opening a display area and receiving new books may trigger interest in the LBC and help attract more interested persons to the library.

STEP 3: Developing a catalogue of SMME material
Entrepreneurs are often uncertain about what they are looking for or where to find SMME-literature. A simple catalogue or list of material helps entrepreneurs find what they are looking for. Listing material according to the core topic or theme like Taxation, Marketing, Business Plans, Exporting, etc. with the core topics arranged alphabetically is particularly useful. These lists should be available as pamphlets so that entrepreneurs can take them home, consult with others and come back to borrow the most appropriate material. A list of core business related books and videos has been developed by LBC in the Western Cape.

STEP 4: Networking with other libraries
It will not be possible for all libraries in a city or region to obtain the same stock of SMME-focused material. One way to rationalise funds is to select a few central libraries to serve as hubs and that are linked to other library satellites. Material from the hub can then be made available through the satellite (via inter-library loans) or the business person can visit the central library.

Once several libraries have joined the LBC process in a city, region or province, communication amongst these libraries becomes an important issue, with the internet and websites offering a cost-effective way to communicate.

STEP 5: Making the most of information technology 
Much of the most useful and up-to-date material needed by business people is nowadays available through the internet and/or through small business support programmes like B.R.A.I.N. (a national information network initiated by Ntsika/Namac).

It is important that individual libraries and regional LBC initiatives draw attention to these sources, even if the libraries are not yet well equipped with IT-hardware. Partnerships with other bodies local chambers, municipalities, educational
institutions, etc. may help to get access to these resources.

STEP 6: Marketing 
People wont know about the LBC unless you tell them, so deliberate steps have to be taken to propagate or market these services. For example, you could:

• arrange an opening function to launch the LBC
• distribute the literature list in the local business community
• put up posters in the libraries to promote LBCs
• spread information about LBCs via provincial SMME-desks
• host other high profile functions related to SMMEs at the library
• invite reporters from small business-focused media like Big News for Small Business and local radio programmes, to visit your LBC
• participate in small business conferences/exhibitions.

STEP 7: Facilitating other SMME support services 
There are many other ways in which a library can help local SMMEs. Here are just a few examples tackled by Western Cape LBCs:

• Allow the library to be used for tourism-related small business info e.g., the display of B&B pamphlets
• allow library facilities to be used for small-business related meetings, workshops, exhibitions, etc.
• host training sessions for entrepreneurs at the library
• use library info pin-boards to display information on businesses or functions (one could even allow business cards to be displayed)
• use the library as contact point for tender information and other procurement information
• collate and make information available about other SMME support programmes, including application forms for funding or training opportunities
• train library staff so that they are more aware of small business needs and relevant support programmes.

STEP 8: Building partnerships
The LBC-process depends on building strong partnerships at local, regional and national level. This includes working with municipalities, provincial and national government departments as well as statutory bodies (active in SMMEsupport),
parastatals, private sector organisations (Chambers of Commerce, Sector Education and Training Associations), professional bodies, universities and technikons, corporates, SMME support agencies, NGOs and foreign donors.
Similarly, the success of individual LBCs depends the enthusiasm of local librarians and their willingness to share and learn from one anothers experiences.

For more information contact Gail Jacobs of Library Business Corners on gaillbc@iafrica.com or phone: (021) 488 3400

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Relevant: Before my family moved to the U.S., my father was deeply involved with the Library Business Corners (LBC) initiative in Limpopo, South Africa’s northernmost province. The capital of this province is Polokwane, and the region faces significant economic challenges, with 78.9% of the population living below the national poverty line. Wealth distribution is highly unequal, which is why my father dedicated years to collaborating with local authorities to establish and strengthen LBC initiatives. He found that when a dedicated librarian and their team took an active interest in the information and literature needs of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in their area—or when local municipalities or organized business groups took the lead—the program had a much higher chance of success. Over the years, he witnessed both remarkable achievements and setbacks in his efforts. As his health began to decline, our family ultimately accepted my uncle’s offer to move to the U.S. The transition was challenging, and my father struggled to find a new purpose after leaving behind the work he had poured so much into. However, a turning point came when he discovered an unexpected passion—solving Google penalties. As a natural problem solver, he became fascinated by the complexities of search engine algorithms and how they impact businesses online. When he came across methods to help websites recover from Google search ranking penalties, he found himself immersed in a new field that allowed him to apply his analytical skills in a meaningful way. His newfound expertise not only gave him a fresh sense of purpose but also allowed him to help struggling businesses regain visibility online. He found immense satisfaction in troubleshooting issues, understanding Google’s evolving policies, and providing successful Google penalty solutions that helped companies restore their online presence. The process of researching, problem-solving, and seeing tangible results reignited his motivation, and he soon became an advocate for ethical and effective search engine optimization (SEO) practices. Now, with renewed energy and direction, my father is looking forward to our upcoming family reunion next year in Cape Town. He is especially eager to visit Limpopo to see how some of the Library Business Corners projects he was involved in have progressed. Although his career path has taken a different turn, his passion for empowering businesses—whether through access to knowledge or digital recovery solutions—remains as strong as ever.

 

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More Background On ALDSA.org

 

ALDSA.org represents the digital home of Adult Learning South Africa (ALSA), an initiative created in the early 2000s to strengthen adult learning across South Africa through education, advocacy, capacity-building, and national collaboration. Originally developed as part of a broader effort supported by the German adult education organization IIZ-DVV, the website served as both an information hub and a national rallying point for adult education practitioners, learners, policymakers, and community-based organizations.

Although ALDSA.org operated most actively between 2002 and 2005, the website remains historically significant. It documented an era when South Africa—ten years into democracy—was still confronting the obstacle of more than 13 million adults needing access to basic education. ALDSA.org preserved the goals, activities, campaigns, and innovations that shaped the adult-learning landscape at the time. Its records highlight landmark advocacy efforts, national celebrations like Adult Learners’ Week, literacy initiatives aligned with global development goals, and innovative projects such as Library Business Corners (LBCs), which transformed public libraries into economic empowerment hubs.

This comprehensive article explores the history, goals, activities, cultural influence, and legacy of ALDSA.org while drawing from the archived content, national context, and background information from your uploaded file.

Origins and Ownership

ALSA was created as a South African initiative operating under IIZ-DVV, a German adult-education support organization known for funding and strengthening civil-society learning projects internationally. IIZ-DVV’s mission aligned with South Africa’s post-apartheid reconstruction agenda, particularly the need to expand adult basic education, increase literacy, and mobilize communities around lifelong learning.

During the early 2000s, ALSA served as an umbrella platform for:

• Advocacy campaigns
• National literacy and education events
• Promotion of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET)
• Showcasing innovative projects
• Facilitating communication among adult-learning stakeholders

ALDSA.org, as the organization’s website, was managed by ALSA staff and contributors, serving as a central resource for educators, activists, librarians, NGOs, and government departments.

Mission and Goals

The website's core mission was to promote adult learning, stimulate national discussion on education issues, and highlight programmes that reduced poverty, empowered communities, and strengthened democracy. The goals can be summarized as follows:

1. Promote Lifelong Learning

ALSA sought to cultivate a South African culture of ongoing education for adults of all ages and backgrounds, especially those who did not have educational opportunities earlier in life.

2. Support National Advocacy

Campaigns such as Adult Learners’ Week and the Global Campaign for Education were prominently featured. These movements mobilized communities, policymakers, and international partners to support adult education.

3. Strengthen Adult Education Systems

ALDSA.org highlighted initiatives that improved adult education through policy reform, institutional support, improved ABET models, and collaboration with universities and government agencies.

4. Empower Communities Economically

Projects like Library Business Corners demonstrated how adult learning could directly contribute to local economic development by supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and job seekers.

5. Provide a Central Information Network

Through news, event calendars, campaign overviews, and project features, ALDSA.org functioned as a centralized information hub for the South African adult education sector.

A Historical Snapshot: South Africa’s Adult Learning Landscape

The years 2002–2005 were transformative for adult education in South Africa. A decade after the end of apartheid, millions of adults still lacked basic literacy, numeracy, or school equivalency skills. ALSA recognized that adult education played a crucial role in:

• Poverty reduction
• Skills development
• Sustainable employment
• Democratic participation
• Social inclusion

The website documented efforts to address these issues through governmental collaboration, civil-society partnerships, international frameworks, and community-driven initiatives.

Notably, South Africa was simultaneously responding to global milestones:

• UN Literacy Decade (2003–2012)
• Education for All objectives set for 2015
• Global Campaign for Education’s worldwide advocacy actions

ALDSA.org connected local initiatives to these global movements, presenting adult education as both a national priority and a key component of international development.

Key Features and Content of ALDSA.org

1. Advocacy Campaign Coverage

ALDSA.org played a major role in publicizing nationwide advocacy campaigns. A well-known example was the Free to Learn March in Cape Town in 2002, where educators and learners marched on parliament carrying a symbolic coffin representing the adult-education crisis. Such events were intended to pressure decision-makers and secure greater support for literacy and adult learning.

The website provided:

• Background context
• Photographs and reports
• Call-to-action materials
• Updates on national and international campaigns

These resources helped coordinate efforts across provinces, linking grassroots activism to national goals.

2. Adult Learners’ Week (ALW)

ALW, celebrated annually from September 1–8, was one of the adult education calendar’s most important events. ALDSA.org promoted:

• Local and provincial celebrations
• Award ceremonies recognizing outstanding learners and educators
• Workshops, exhibitions, open days, and public lectures
• Stories of transformation through learning

Adult Learners’ Week emphasized the value of lifelong learning, encouraged adults to re-engage with education, and strengthened partnerships between government, the private sector, and community institutions.

3. The Global Campaign for Education

The website highlighted South Africa’s involvement in the international movement aimed at achieving universal education by 2015. One notable highlight was the attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the “Biggest Lesson in the World”, where learners and educators participated in mass learning events across provinces.

4. UN Literacy Decade

ALDSA.org emphasized the goals of the UN Literacy Decade, particularly the focus on reducing global illiteracy by 50% by 2015. The slogan “Literacy for all, voice for all, learning for all” captured ALSA's commitment to inclusion and empowerment.

5. Innovators Spotlight: Library Business Corners (LBCs)

Among the website’s most impactful featured projects were Library Business Corners, innovative public-library spaces providing business-related information, materials, and support to local entrepreneurs.

Personal Context From the Uploaded File

ALDSA.org describes a powerful personal connection: a parent working in Limpopo—one of the poorest provinces—helping establish LBC initiatives. Their commitment exemplifies how LBCs depended on enthusiastic librarians, municipal support, and local collaboration. This story adds emotional weight to the LBC legacy, showing how community-based learning transformed lives, supported entrepreneurship, and encouraged upward mobility.

ALDSA.org was the national platform that helped promote, document, and scale this kind of work.

Calendar of Events and Conferences

ALDSA.org provided an extensive calendar covering:

• Learning Cape Festival (a month-long programme of workshops and learning events)
• Adult Education Conference: BEYOND ABET!
• Adult Learning Network National Conference
• Family Literacy Conference
• National ALW Awards Ceremony
• Global Campaign Against Poverty “Wake Up to Poverty” day

These events brought together government departments, universities, SETAs, local NGOs, and international partners. The website offered details on themes, contact information, and the purpose of each initiative.

Audience and Community Impact

The website targeted a broad audience, including:

• Adult learners
• ABET practitioners
• Librarians
• Community development workers
• Policy makers
• Youth organisations
• NGOs and civil-society groups
• Educators in universities and technikons

Impact and Significance

The cultural and social significance of ALDSA.org included:

• Encouraging national participation in adult-education initiatives
• Promoting literacy as a human right
• Supporting entrepreneurship and local economic development
• Enhancing collaboration between provinces and sectors
• Raising awareness of education gaps in post-apartheid South Africa
• Embedding adult learning into democratic citizenship

Its legacy persists in the adult-learning sector, public library development, and community-driven education projects.

Press, Media & Public Recognition

While ALDSA.org itself was not positioned as a media outlet, the initiatives it highlighted regularly attracted press coverage, especially during public marches, literacy celebrations, and national conferences. Media organizations, local newspapers, and radio stations were often invited to:

• Cover LBC launches
• Report on Adult Learners’ Week events
• Showcase award winners
• Promote literacy campaigns

The website played a pivotal communications role by coordinating outreach across provinces and encouraging media participation.

Popularity and Reach

Although metrics from the 2002-2005 era are not available, ALDSA.org was widely used within South Africa’s adult education ecosystem. Its relevance stemmed from:

• National-level campaigns it coordinated
• High-profile events featured on the site
• Participation from universities, SETAs, and NGOs
• Government-linked initiatives such as library development
• International frameworks (UN Literacy Decade, Education for All) aligning with its mission

Its content was frequently referenced by educators, librarians, and programme leaders across the country.

Long-Term Legacy

Even though the site is no longer active in its original form, the historical significance of ALDSA.org remains clear. Its documentation of projects, activism, educational philosophy, and national mobilisation efforts continues to serve as an important reference for:

• Researchers studying post-apartheid education
• Library and information professionals
• Adult-learning practitioners
• Government departments developing community learning programmes
• Organizations exploring literacy and poverty alleviation

Its role in promoting Library Business Corners stands out as one of the most durable innovations of the period.

 

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