GWF Equips Rural Students with Robotics and Coding Programme

Photo Credit: The Good Work Foundation

The Good Work Foundation (GWF) is on a mission to ignite the minds of young learners by rolling out robotics in rural Mpumalanga high schools, equipping them with the skills to shape a brighter tomorrow.

Mpumalanga, South Africa (17 October 2024) – Robotics and coding are the future, and the Good Work Foundation (GWF) is making sure that children in rural schools don’t miss out on being part of the technological advancements of our society.

The GWF is committed to empowering young minds with knowledge in coding, robotics, and digital literacy to inspire a brighter future.

Recently, it expanded its Open Learning Academy’s robotics and coding program, which has already made a significant impact in primary schools in rural Mpumalanga and the Free State. This expansion now includes high school learners in Grades 8 and 9.

This roll-out of the robotics and coding curriculum to older learners is a bold step and continuation of GWF’s mission to close the educational gap between rural and urban areas.

“If we only teach coding in primary school and then leave these pupils unsupported in high school, it’s easier for them to forget what they’ve learned. That’s why we continue supporting them into high school,” says Anorld Mdhluli, manager of the Open Learning Academy.

GWF’s coding and robotics programme provides hands-on learning experiences that enable students to build, code and test their own projects.

As learners delve into coding languages like Scratch 3.0 and interact with robots like Dash and Dot, they are not just learning technical skills; they are also unlocking a world of possibilities.

In a future shaped by technology, these young innovators will be the ones driving progress, solving complex problems, and creating a better world.

“The skills that coding offers are very important. Everyone growing up now will need these skills to be prepared for the future.”
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According to GWF, launching the expanded programme at GWF’s Justicia Digital Learning Campus was a strategic decision as it is situated right next to Madlala High. This has made it easy to reach and accommodate the school’s Grade 8 and 9 learners.

The enthusiasm and support from both the community and parents have been positive so far, with many recognising the importance of preparing young people to seize development opportunities in a technology-driven world.

“Students will be equipped with computing skills that will help them in institutions of higher learning should they wish to pursue professions related to the computer sciences. But more importantly, they’ll be digitally literate and better prepared to face challenges in life – knowing how to adapt to new technologies,” says Ngwenyama.

With the programme being so well received and the pilot on course for success, GWF plans to continue expanding its Open Learning Academy offering to more high school learners over the next three years, further extending its reach in the communities it serves.

This growth will support the Department of Basic Education’s roll-out of the coding and robotics curriculum in public schools and will ensure that rural students are not left behind when it comes to taking full advantage of the technology-driven jobs of tomorrow.