South Africa faces many challenges when it comes to educating the youth for the 4iR. Reports show that many schools lack access to basic technology, teachers are not taught how to develop 4iR skills in the classroom, Internet access is costly and far from universal, and schools in rural and low-income communities remain disproportionately cut off from the resources required for 4iR teaching and learning.
“Schools have to prepare students for the fast-changing world of work. 4iR is not in the future; it is here now. Get Ahead is fortunate to have makerspace rooms in both our primary schools where our students can tinker and develop design mindsets in a playful manner,” said Executive Director of Get Ahead Schools, Mariette Visser.
One of the schools who will be benefiting from the science laboratory project is Get Ahead College in Komani. The learners and the teachers will be exposed to a fascinating world of drones, 3D printing, robotics and artificial intelligence
STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Aeronautics and Mathematics) education focuses on developing essential skills and knowledge by enabling pupils to enjoy a hands-on experience with technologies that are changing our world.
The fourth industrial revolution laboratory is bringing an opportunity to develop their creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Get Ahead’s STREAM laboratory has tablets, drones, AI, robotics and app-making kits. Software AG partnered with the Sakhikamva Foundation to establish innovation labs and 4iR classrooms in previously disadvantaged communities. Sakhikamva has touched the lives of more than 130,000 children through its STREAM enrichment programmes, including connecting SA schools to science projects underway on the International Space Station.
Sakhikamva Foundation founder, Forensic Scientist and Pilot Fatima, Jakoet says: “With the opening of this STREAM laboratory we are delighted to welcome Get Ahead College into our family where curiosity and wonder are prized. Teachers will be trained in STREAM philosophy and teaching methodologies, and learners will enter into a fascinating new world during their technology classes and through after-school activities.”
“Community and skills development form a big part of our commitment to transformation goals. This has led us to fund initiatives that put meaningful ideas into action, directly improve the wellbeing of our communities and set examples for the future,” said Kholiwe Makhohliso, MD of Software AG South Africa.
