About Awali Academy NPC
Awali Academy NPC is a community-based Non-Profit Company working in digital skills, technology, entrepreneurship and community development.
We work mainly with young people, adults, schools and communities. Our programmes are designed to make practical skills and technology more accessible at community level.
Awali Academy is not a traditional college. We use programmes, workshops and community activities to help people build confidence, learn useful skills and explore new opportunities.
Who We Are
Awali Academy NPC is a community-based Non-Profit Company.
We run practical programmes in digital skills, technology, entrepreneurship and related areas for young people, adults and communities.
Our work takes place through community locations, schools, partner venues and online sessions where appropriate.
We are not a traditional college or training institution. Our programmes are designed to make useful skills and technology more accessible to people in the communities where we work.
Some participants join to improve their computer skills. Others want to understand AI, start a business, prepare for work, learn about coding or explore new technology. Our role is to create a practical place for that learning to happen.
Our Mission
To make practical digital skills, technology and entrepreneurship programmes more accessible to people and communities.
Our Vision
Communities where more people have the skills and confidence to use technology for learning, work, business and everyday life.
Simiso Sokhela
Simiso Sokhela founded Awali Academy after years of working in digital skills, technology, entrepreneurship and community development.
His work has included helping young people, adults, entrepreneurs and small businesses understand and use digital tools more effectively.
He has been involved in community digital-skills programmes, technology awareness, public speaking, entrepreneurship support and digital-development projects.
Awali Academy grew from this practical experience and from the belief that useful technology skills should be accessible within communities.
For Simiso, the focus is not simply on teaching people how to use technology. It is about helping people understand how technology can support education, employment, business and everyday life.
Learn. Adapt. Grow.
Our Journey
Youth Development & Digital Skills
Youth development and community digital skills activity.
School Digital Participation
School digital participation and online visibility initiatives.
Google Digital Skills for Africa
Digital skills facilitation connected to Google Digital Skills for Africa through programme partners.
Technology & Drone Career Awareness
Technology and drone career awareness involving young people and schools.
Technology Exhibitions
Participation in technology exhibitions, emerging technology and digital transformation activities.
Community & Virtual Skills Expansion
Expansion of community and virtual skills-development activities.
Awali Academy NPC Established
Formal establishment and growth of Awali Academy NPC as a community-based Non-Profit Company.
Continued Expansion
Continued expansion of practical programmes, partnerships and community-based digital inclusion.
Our Impact
Awali Academy has worked with young people, adults, schools and communities through digital skills, entrepreneurship and technology programmes.
To date, our activities have reached more than 1,500 participants and 900 young people across 10 schools and 10 communities. We have delivered more than 10 programmes and activities across KwaZulu-Natal.
1,500+
Participants Reached
900+
Youth Engaged
10
Schools Reached
10
Communities Reached
10
Programmes Delivered in KZN
Our focus is on practical participation and giving people access to skills and technology they can use beyond the programme.
Our Partners & Supporters
Awali Academy works with businesses and organisations that support our programmes, technology activities and community work.
Our current partners and supporters are:
Awali Solutions
Awali Net Tech Hub
Drone Views Africa
Awali Academy School Engagement – Umgababa
Real programme activity in a real community. This is Awali Academy working with school learners in Umgababa on digital skills, technology and future opportunities.
Awali Academy School Digital Skills & Technology Talk
Simiso Sokhela – Awali Academy Schools Talk at a Umgababa-based school.