A community-driven primary school in Greyville, Durban, is now able to provide its learners with cutting-edge technology education thanks to the donation of a R900 000 coding and robotics facility. This aligns the educational institution with the national curriculum shift towards technology education.
Clarence Primary School, a 120-year-old institution, serves more than 1,100 diverse learners and has long dreamed of being able to equip those it serves with essential 21st-century skills effectively. That dream became reality when the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) stepped in recently, sponsoring a dedicated coding and robotics room within the school’s existing media centre, allowing learners to enjoy improved levels of problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork.
Commenting on its donation, SAMCT representative, Mr Shabir Chohan, said: “Technology is advancing at an incredibly rapid pace globally and there is, therefore, a clear and pressing need to future-proof learning in South Africa now. There can be no question that teaching learners about robotics and coding at an early age has become an imperative, transforming – as it does – the way youngsters learn, creating essential new and practical skills for coping with the world of tomorrow.”
He stressed that the ongoing introduction into the school curriculum of robotics and coding was transforming the way learners think critically, solve problems, and creatively overcome challenges.
“In our tech-oriented global economy, robotics education has become critical in preparing learners for their future in an increasingly technology-driven world. Engaging children at a very early age assists in enhancing their ability to become critical thinkers and to work creatively in finding solutions to overcoming hurdles.”
He said that upon learning of the school’s financial difficulty associated with introducing robotics and coding, the SAMCT was quick to assist, in the knowledge that technology education would greatly benefit the school’s huge learner population.
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.
Mr Chohan added: “We, of the SAMCT, were pleased to be able to partner with the school, bringing this initiative to life, given that technology is fast becoming a cornerstone of education and a vital skill for learners’ future careers.”
“I believe our contribution will help empower learners with cutting-edge technology, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital world and that it will serve to give effect to curiosity, exploration, and excellence amongst learners now, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements into the future.”
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For more information about the SAMCT or its Clarence Primary School robotics and coding facility donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za
www.samct.co.za