The seven-week cohort model, live session schedule, capstone brief, and the rubric against which every learner is assessed.
AfriversalAI is delivered in structured cohorts — not open-ended self-paced content. Research consistently shows 70%+ completion rates for cohort-based learning versus 5–15% for self-paced. The accountability, peer discussion, and scheduled touchpoints are not optional extras — they are the mechanism by which learning actually happens.
The Seven-Week Cohort
All eight modules and the capstone assessment are completed within the cohort window. Learners begin together and finish together.
Week 0 — Pre-cohort
Module 0 + Orientation
Required pre-work: Module 0 completed free, no registration. ~45 min self-paced. Orientation call (30 min): introductions, learning path, tech check, expectations. Can start up to two weeks before kickoff.
Week 1
Module 1 — What AI Actually Is + Cohort Kickoff
Live kickoff (75 min): introductions, Funda Five preview, case study teaser. Module 1 completed self-paced during the week. Learners arrive with Module 0 done — this session builds directly on that foundation.
Week 2
Module 2 — How AI Goes Wrong
Self-paced module. Live group session (60 min) end of week: facilitator debriefs the SA case study; peer discussion of Apply exercises. Guest speaker option: SA AI researcher or civil society voice on algorithmic harm.
Week 3
Module 3 — Bias and Discrimination + Capstone Brief Issued
Self-paced module. Live check-in (45 min): cohort applies the Funda Five to a shared current case. Capstone brief issued end of Week 3 — learners have four weeks to identify their AI system and develop their evaluation.
Week 4
Module 4 — Verification and Judgment
Self-paced module. No required live session — focus on module and capstone planning. Optional 30 min drop-in office hours (facilitator-hosted). Learners identify their capstone AI system this week.
Week 5
Modules 5 & 6 — Accountability + Synthesis
Two shorter modules this week. Final live session (90 min): learners share draft AI judgment statements; peer feedback; facilitator reviews capstone requirements. Capstone submission window opens.
Week 6
Module 7 — Sector Track + Capstone Submission
Learners complete their sector module (Corporate / Government / Finance / Healthcare / Education). Learners in the same cohort diverge for Module 7. Capstone due end of Week 6, 23:59 SAST. No extensions — keeps assessment within the cohort window.
Week 7
Assessment, Results & Certification
Submissions assessed by a trained human assessor within 5 business days. Results by Day 5. One revision opportunity for learners below standard (revised submission due within 2 days of results). Certificates issued digitally by end of Week 7. Graduates are eligible for Layer 2, 3, and 4 programs.
Live touchpoints summary
Week 0: Orientation — 30 min
Week 1: Kickoff session — 75 min
Week 2: Module 2 debrief — 60 min
Week 3: Funda Five practice — 45 min
Week 4: Optional office hours — 30 min
Week 5: Final synthesis session — 90 min
Total facilitated time: ~5.5 hours across 7 weeks
Q&A handled asynchronously via the cohort discussion space — facilitator responds within 24 hours. One guest speaker per cohort minimum.
Assessment — The Capstone Brief
The task: Identify one AI system or AI-generated output encountered in your professional context during this course. Produce a written evaluation of 600–900 words that: (1) describes what the AI system does and how it is used; (2) identifies at least two specific ways it could produce biased, incorrect, or unaccountable outputs; (3) applies the Funda Five to assess whether the output should be acted on; (4) states clearly what you would do — use it, modify how you use it, flag a concern, or recommend against it; (5) identifies who in your organisation is accountable if the AI produces a harmful outcome.
Learners must meet or exceed standard on at least 4 of 5 criteria. All assessment is conducted by a trained human assessor — not automated scoring.
Criterion
Below Standard
Meets Standard
Exceeds Standard
Describes AI accurately
Vague or incorrect description
Clear, jargon-free description of the system's function
Shows understanding of how the system learns and fails
Identifies failure modes
Generic ("AI can be biased")
Two specific mechanisms explained with reasoning
Mechanisms tied to SA context and evidence
Applies Funda Five
Does not apply the framework
Applies all five steps with reasoning
Extends framework to context-specific considerations
Makes a judgment
No clear position taken
Clear judgment with stated reasoning
Judgment addresses competing considerations
Accountability
"The company is responsible" (generic)
Named accountability chain with specific role
Identifies gaps and suggests what should be in place
MICT SETA accreditation: AfriversalAI is pursuing MICT SETA accreditation for the Layer 1 Core Certification. Upon accreditation, employers can recover 40–60% of training costs through the Skills Development Levy discretionary grant system.