Democratising education through free online access
COVID-19 has hit the world hard – South African learners especially so. As the lockdown closed schools and kept learners at home, the Foundation has stepped in to provide learning support in the digital space.
The Foundation is ’s CSI arm, committed to helping to transform disadvantaged communities through sustainable development programmes. The Foundation works with government, the private sector and schools to improve education in science, technology, English and maths (STEM) and equip the youth and learners with skills of the future – based on a shared conviction that digital skills and access are critical in preparing our youth for meaningful participation in the future economy.
As the pandemic hit, the Foundation migrated its STEM Supplementary Tuition programme online, so learners could continue learning, with 3 687 learners receiving learning devices and mobile connectivity.
More than 7 910 learners also signed up to the Foundation’s new Lightbulb zero-rated online education platform, where learners participated in live classes. Lightbulb Education caters for Grade 7-12 learners studying maths, physical sciences, life sciences, and natural sciences. Learners can cover specific topics, test themselves and join group tutoring sessions, while parents can track their children’s progress through personalised reports and notifications. Lightbulb also allows teachers to prepare lessons, create tests and assessments, and monitor class progress.
ONE Ignite, another zero-rated platform, supports learners and teachers in four content areas: science, technology, engineering and maths – in line with the SA school curriculum.
In partnership with the Foundation, Ignite gives learners access to premium educational and edutainment content packs at no subscription cost, as soon as they register with a mobile number, and their school details.
In all, has zero rated at least 1 000 education sites, and 200 public information sites, giving learners free access to content critical to their education – so no learner is left behind.
Remote learning platforms – and zero-rated access to these crucial learning tools – allows seamless movement between school and home studies. This creates a personalised learning journey to success for the young people who are fundamental to South Africa’s future.