Future-proof learning through coding and robotics has emerged as an imperative for South African schools and an Isipingo, Durban, educational facility recently became the latest to adopt the teaching of these essential skills, thanks to the R590 000 donation of a Computer Laboratory.
Isipingo Beach Intermediate School, first established in 1965, has long been commited to transforming the lives of impoverished learners, but has faced severe financial challenges, rendering its vision for the 559 learners it serves virtually impossible, until the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) stepped in with critical financial assistance. The school draws learners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including those from informal setlements.
Commenting on its financial support for the school, SAMCT representative, Mr Gaff Osman, said: “The South African Government’s adoption of coding and robotics in the school curriculum gives effect to its commitment to beter preparing learners for the future of work in emerging and, indeed, new fields.”
The school’s new computer laboratory is now set to contribute towards the realisation of the facility’s vision of quality education, empowering learners with vital technological skills and fostering long-term community development.
“Learning of this financially-challenged school’s vision, the SAMCT was pleased to assist in the belief that learners in under-resourced areas of this country deserve access to educational tools which would otherwise remain out of reach. Our computer laboratory donation has made it possible for learners here to enjoy the same educational opportunities as their counterparts in better-served schools,” Mr Osman stressed.
Coding and robotics education is designed to nurture vitally necessary skills for the 21st century and is already transforming learning, introducing practical and essential skills for the world of tomorrow.
“This is a critical educational step forward for South Africa in terms of better equipping learners with the wherewithal for critical thinking, problem solving, and overcoming challenges creatively – vital for the future workforce in an increasingly technologically advanced world. We, of the SAMCT, are pleased to be a part of such educational transformation in South Africa through our provision of school facilities for the teaching of coding and robotics,” Mr Osman said.
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The organisation provides funding, services and other resources to improve the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. It has successfully delivered sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work to support needy organisations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation and education.
The organisation has long served as a pivotal conduit for the channelling of funding, vital services, and resources to approved public benefit organisations, and remains committed to catalysing positive change and creating a lasting impact on the development and upliftment of, especially, disadvantaged individuals and communities. Its funds are distributed to help improve the health and development of deserving people and organisations, irrespective of race or religion.
The organisation is acclaimed for its transformative role, directing substantial donations towards multi-faceted initiatives, spanning education, poverty alleviation, empowerment, community upliftment, and sustainability programmes in its quest to foster social equity and ensure the well-being of the needy
He added: “There can be no question that coding and robotics is transforming the way of learning from a purely theoretical approach to one of hands-on discovery and we believe the advent of the new computer laboratory at Isipingo Beach Intermediate School will, in no small measure, afford the opportunity for hands-on learning experiences, boosting the confidence of learners and preparing them for technology-driven careers of the future.”
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For more information about the SAMCT or it’s coding and robotics computer laboratory donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Executive
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za
www.samct.co.za