Computer Basics and Digital Literacy
Start from zero: learn what a computer is, how its parts work, how to use it with confidence, and how to stay safe and healthy while you do.
- 18 lessons
- 3 h 18 min
- Certificate
Lumina Africa Foundation
LAF Academy: learn ICT skills for free
Free, practical courses in computer basics, Microsoft Office, email, digital marketing, online safety and more. Learn at your own pace, join live virtual classes with facilitators, test yourself and earn a certificate.
- 41Free courses
- 743Lessons
- 1Learners
- 0Certificates issued
How the Academy works
-
Create your account
Sign up with your e-mail address and confirm it. It is free. -
Pick a course
Start with Computer Basics or choose the skill you need: Word, Excel, email, marketing and more. -
Learn and practise
Read the lessons, follow the practice activities and join virtual classes with a facilitator. -
Test and get certified
Take the quizzes, pass the final exam and download your certificate.
Free courses
Choose your course
Every course has short lessons with practice activities, a quiz after each module and a final exam. Pass the final exam to earn your certificate.
Using Windows and Managing Your Files
Learn to move around Windows with confidence, organise files and folders, personalise your settings and keep your computer healthy.
- 17 lessons
- 3 h 25 min
- Certificate
Typing and Keyboard Skills
Learn to type with all ten fingers, build speed and accuracy, use keyboard shortcuts, and meet the typing standards employers expect.
- 16 lessons
- 3 h 56 min
- Certificate
Keep going
More free courses from trusted platforms
Beyond our own courses, we gathered free learning from universities, Google, Microsoft and other platforms, from beginner to advanced.
Computer Basics (opens on GCFGlobal)
Plain-language lessons on what a computer is, how to use the mouse and keyboard, files, programs and staying safe. A good first stop for absolute beginners.
- Computer basics
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Grow with Google: digital skills (opens on Google)
A hub of free training, tools and certificates from Google for jobs, small businesses and everyday digital skills.
- Digital careers
- Self-paced
- Some programmes offer certificates
Microsoft Learn (opens on Microsoft)
Free interactive learning paths from Microsoft on Office, Windows, Azure, Power BI and more, with sandboxes to practise in.
- Office and productivity
- Self-paced
- Badges and optional paid exams
Google IT Support Professional Certificate (opens on Coursera)
A beginner path into IT support: computers, networks, operating systems, system administration and security. Designed for people with no experience.
- Maintenance and networks
- About 6 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (opens on Coursera)
Learn the data analyst workflow: asking questions, cleaning data, spreadsheets, SQL, R and dashboards.
- Data and databases
- About 6 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Learning How to Learn (opens on Coursera)
Evidence-based study techniques for mastering hard subjects, from memory and focus to beating procrastination. Useful before any online course.
- Digital careers
- About 15 hours
- Paid certificate
Share your skills
Volunteer as a facilitator
Are you experienced in an ICT topic? Teach it online as a volunteer: run live classes, guide learners and help young people build digital skills.
Skills that open doors
- Free for everyone
No fees. All you need is a phone or computer and an internet connection.
- Made for beginners
Plain language, short lessons and practice activities that start from zero.
- Learn your way
Study when it suits you, on a phone or computer, and pick up where you stopped.
- Live support
Join virtual classes with facilitators and ask questions in real time.
- Certificates that count
Pass the final exam and download a certificate with a number anyone can verify online.
- Work-ready skills
Office tools, email, digital marketing and online safety: the skills employers and customers ask for.
Ready to start learning?
Create your free account in a minute and begin with your first lesson today.