An Overport, Durban, primary school desperate to introduce learners to coding and robotics in its curriculum has had its dream answered by the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT), which recently donated high-end computers to the school, valued at R365 000.
Overport SRS Primary School, situated in the heart of Overport, serves some 1 100 learners from predominantly disadvantaged communities, including KwaMashu, Chesterville, Point, Bonella, and various informal settlements.
Mr. Farouk Bayat, a representative of the SAMCT, said of the organization’s donation: “Teaching coding and robotics at an early age has emerged as a critical component of the educational experience, assisting young learners to develop the ability to engage in critical thinking, find solutions, and overcome obstacles. Research has shown the benefits and positive impact of learning robotics, and many governments, including that of South Africa, are actively including robotics and coding early in the curriculum.”
Overport SRS Primary School is intent on embarking on the coding and robotics journey to the benefit of its learners, but lacks the funding to effectively kit a computer center and upgrade its technological infrastructure to enrich the learning experience.
“There can be no doubt that robotics today plays a key role in promoting 21st-century skills amongst the youth, better preparing them for an increasingly technology-driven world. Robotics affords a way for primary school learners to become technologically fluent. It helps them to learn mathematics and scientific principles through an inquiry-based method of learning, promoting out-of-the-box thinking, creativity of thought, and the design and building of innovative solutions to address real-world problems,” Mr. Bayat said.
He added: “Overport SRS Primary School has long recognized the need to add robotics and coding to its curriculum in order to provide learners with the tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital and connected world. We, of the SAMCT, were pleased to assist in meeting the capital cost required to make the school’s robotics and coding dream a reality because learners today deserve access to technology from a very early age so as to better shape their individual lives, thereby becoming contributors to the building of a brighter nation.”
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 organization provides funding, services, and other resources for the improvement of the lives of the vulnerable, deprived, and disadvantaged. It has been singularly successful in delivering sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa, irrespective of race or religion, and continues to work to support needy organizations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation, and education.
“Society today is surrounded by devices built around technology and the principles associated with robotics and coding. This inescapable reality is driving the need to teach and learn the art of robotics and coding in primary schools.”
“We believe robotics and coding in primary schools has now become essential and, consequently, are proud to be able to play a role in this significant era by assisting Overport SRS Primary School to become part of a drive designed to enable learners to execute tasks using technology,” Mr. Bayat said.
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For more information about the SAMCT or its Overport SRS Primary School computers donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za