I Learn to Live Robotics Kids’ Club gets under way
ORGANISERS were pleased with the outcome of the launch of what is believed to be the first rural-based robotics club between Empangeni and eShowe on 30 April.
This programme was launched by non-profit organisation I Learn to Live Ngifundela Ukuphila, in partnership with Richards Bay NPC, Algo@Work.
Key guests included parents of the club’s first students, principals of local primary schools and the Rotary Club of Empangeni, whose members raised funds to build the computer centre in 2014.
Guests were treated to a short robotics demonstration, which presented the opportunity to see exactly what their children would learn during club sessions.
Algo@Work, which runs its own Robotics Academy at the Techno Hub in Richards Bay, has offered knowledge, IP and experience to the partnership.
The team strongly believes that the learner should be at the heart of a dynamic education system that responds to the challenges of the day.
This philosophy aligns with I Learn to Live’s belief that the brain that holds the problem, holds the solution, and that children in rural areas, if given a chance, can find solutions to some of their challenges.
The implementation of the programme in a rural setting is a first, and will seek to address the unique challenges faced by children in rural communities.
Most children have limited access to technology, setting them back considerably, in comparison to their urban peers.
Both organisations are committed to ensuring that children in rural communities are not left behind as government works towards rolling out a robotics and coding curriculum, as well as ensuring children have the skills and knowledge to participate in the virtual economy.