To date, more than 320 learners have participated, with many being introduced to these subjects for the first time. While the results of transformative impact often take time to be seen, the robotics and coding initiative is already revealing small but promising signs of change. Feedback shows that it is helping to shift how learners perceive science and technology, with participants reporting increased confidence, curiosity and a stronger interest in STEM subjects. “This lesson taught me how real rescue technology works and made me think more like an engineer,” said a high school learner after a session. Teachers have also noted renewed enthusiasm for STEM subjects, as well as stronger collaboration and problem-solving in the classroom. “Mr Tedson’s dedication is unmatched,” one teacher noted. “He exposes our learners to knowledge beyond the classroom, and the feedback shows his efforts are not in vain; they are learning skills that will shape their future success.” While the long-term pay-offs will take time to fully materialise, these early shifts signal a step in the right direction: to equip learners with digital skills and nurture the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders who can help shape Africa’s technological future. Impact To help close this gap, the Future Africa Community Engagement (FACE) One Health programme launched the Robotics and Coding initiative in 2022 under its broader Youth in STEM (YiSTEM) programme. The initiative introduces learners from under-resourced schools to basic robotics and coding through handson learning experiences. It has worked well with rural schools such as Kgalema and Kgadimo secondary schools, as well as urban schools around Pretoria townships and the inner city, including Bokamoso High School (Hammanskraal), Uthando Primary School (Soshanguve), Hoërskool Hercules (Pretoria West), and the National Zoological Gardens’ ZooClub in Pretoria. Through interactive lessons, learners engage with robotics kits and coding tools under the guidance of UP mentors and facilitators. These sessions introduce programming concepts while helping learners to connect theory to real-world applications such as smart agriculture, clean-energy solutions, maritime rescue operations, automation in the motor industry, and solving environmental problems in their own communities. The intervention 8 Programme: Robotics and Coding
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk4MDU2NA==