iGOGO

Digital Literacy for Grandmothers

Project Aim

The iGOGO project aims to enhance the lives of grandmothers across South Africa with essential digital literacy skills. By equipping gogos with basic information and communication technology (ICT) skills, iGOGO aims to bridge the digital divide, strengthening the role of grandparents in the education and technology ecosystem.

What is iGOGO?

iGOGO is a digital literacy programme that equips gogos with ICT skills and devices to enhance household internet access. The 10-day course covers fundamental topics to help gogos participate in digital society and facilitate virtual learning for their grandchildren. iGOGO provides each participant with a tablet to use for training, which they keep upon graduation to enhance internet access in grandparent-headed households.

Using a 20-session curriculum tailored to older adults, iGOGO explores the tools and best practices that promote safe, effective internet use, including:

Device features: cameras, microphones, ports, speakers
User safety: device locking, privacy and connection settings, user rights
Communication: WhatsApp, Email, Social Media, Zoom
Utility apps: Calendar, contacts, Google Maps
e-Learning: Book Dash, YouTube, Browser
Goods & services: online shopping, e-hailing

iGOGO graduation day video

With the right resources, grandmothers can help bridge the digital divide for their grandchildren, enabling their participation in online learning. Although children today are more readily exposed to the internet, digital literacy is not enough. Adequate technology and caregiver support are key to ensuring fair and sustainable access to the virtual classroom.

Project Dates

This is an ongoing project with workshops every year

Since 2021, iGOGO has implemented over 20 project cycles across 8 provinces:

Gauteng

Lilydale Primary School, Jabulani, Soweto
JJ de Jong Primary School, Atteridgeville
Bovet Primary School, Alexandra
Radineo Primary School, Mabopane
Safe Hub, Alexandra
Katlehong, Alberton
Cavendish Primary School, Eldorado Park

Western Cape

Apex High School, Eersterivier

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Shayamoya Primary School, KwaMashu

Eastern Cape

Soqhayisa High School, Motherwell

Partners and Funders

Funders

Vumatel (Gogos With Vuma)
Beck Family Philanthropic Trust
Cell C
Amazon SA
inDrive
ArtEater

Partners

Vumatel
Book Dash
Amazon

Knowledge dissemination

See all our publications

UNESCO 2025 Publication “Bridging the Grey Digital Divide: Enhancing ICT Learning for Older Adults” features a chapter on the iGOGO project entitled ‘In wisdom I am strong but in technology I am weak’ The role of iGOGO in developing digital literacy and skills among older women in South Africa by María del Pilar García-Chitiva and Jane Simmonds

iGOGO in the News

Grannies receive digital skills training to address the digital divide

From safe online shopping and e-hailing a ride around town to supporting the next generation with digital skills, gogos (grandmothers) in Alexandra Township are finally entering the world of WhatsApp group chats, mobile apps and emails, thanks to non-governmental organisation (NGO) goGOGOgo and its iGOGO training programme.

Read more

Africa Business Communities.com
29 July 2024

Gogos Go Digital with Vuma & goGOGOgo

In this heartwarming episode, we celebrate a groundbreaking initiative that’s bridging the digital divide for South Africa’s grandmothers. Through a partnership between Vuma and goGOGOgo, 38 incredible gogos in Pretoria have graduated from a digital skills training programme—learning to send emails, browse the internet, use WhatsApp, and even access online services.

listen to the interview

The Social Impact Show with Samm Marshall on 919FM
9 March, 2025

Empowering Elderly Women with Digital Skills in Alexandra

“With many gogos acting as caregivers and raising their grandchildren, and with children in South Africa expected to use digital devices by Grade 7, our goal is to equip gogos with the necessary knowledge and skills to support this process,” says Jane Simmonds, Executive Director and Founder of goGOGOgo.

Read more