An educational computer programme designed for companies in South Africa to facilitate employee housing assistance

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:'Housing' has been addressed as a basic human right. In South Africa this right hasbecome a challenge, which cannot be met by the government alone. It also requires avast contribution from the broader non-State (private) sector. This includes largecompanies who need to provide housing assistance to their employees.The aim of this research was to develop an educational computer programme whichcan be used by companies in their employee housing assistance programmes. Theobjectives of the research included establishing the extent to which companies provideemployee housing assistance; the viability of an educational computer programme; therequirements of companies; criteria and content of a computer programme; and thedevelopment and testing of a pilot demonstration module of an educational computerprogramme for employee housing assistance.Exploratory research was carried out on a sample of 112 companies by means of bothpostal and telephonic questionnaires. The results of these surveys indicated that 41 ofthese companies have already established employee housing assistance, providinggeneral information on housing and housing related issues. Most of these companies,however, are only offering financial assistance to their employees without the necessaryeducation and training which should accompany it. A programme which provides theseaspects benefits both the company and the employees and should be implemented bymany more institutions throughout the country.The main findings of this research, indicated the viability of an educational computerprogramme and the surveyed companies were positive about using it as part of theiremployee housing assistance.Throughout the world, computers have proved to offer high-quality interaction andunique learning opportunities to users of varying levels of understanding. They havealso demonstrated that they are convenient to use and assist in promoting effectivemanagement of time and finances.On the basis of the responses to the survey, essential elements of an educationalcomputer programme for the use of companies in employee housing assistance wereidentified. A pilot demonstration module was developed using a holistic and didacticallysound approach.The development of this educational computer programme, will allow lower incomeemployees to receive beneficial housing assistance at their own pace and level ofcomprehension and education through an enjoyable and contemporary medium.The results of the initial (but limited) testing of the pilot demonstration module,suggested that there is justification for the further development of the programme andfor research to be carried out to examine its effect in the private sector.This research sheds light on the present trends in the provision of employee housingassistance in the private sector and the positive contribution which companies canprovide to the housing crisis in South Africa.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University