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Partnership sees coding introduced at previously disadvantaged schools

25 Jun 2018

Non-profit educational organisation, ORT South Africa (ORT SA) and Chevron South Africa have partnered to implement coding programmes in previously disadvantaged schools in Ivory Park, north of Johannesburg. A total of 150 learners from six primary schools and six high schools will participate in the extra mural coding classes. In each of the targeted schools, ORT SA facilitators will be on hand to train teachers to assist the participants with their projects.

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After learning the basics of coding, learners will start work on their own projects, based on developing programmes that find solutions to real-life problems. Each group of five learners will be provided with a coding kit which is the ‘brain’ that they learn to programme to carry out various tasks such as operating a security system, a drone or a driverless bus.

Critical skill-enhancing programme

“STEM subjects are at the heart of disruptive technology, which is where the future of our economy lies. Equipping learners with the skills they will need for tomorrow’s job market is what makes this programme exciting and is the reason Chevron has chosen to partner with ORT SA,” says Jill Koopman, policy, government and public affairs manager at Chevron South Africa.

Mpho Matlala, head of the ORT SA STEM Academy says, “Our goal is to reach as many pupils as possible with this critical skill-enhancing programme, and we are delighted to welcome Chevron as a valued partner. The pupils will be presenting their projects at an event on 8 November 2018. From experience, we can expect the most ingenious projects!”