The TechnoGirl Trust has launched a collaboration between its Digital Skills Programme, Uber South Africa, The Paramount Group, and the Ichikowitz Family Foundation. Staged on Friday 25 November, the event took the form of a Robotics competition with teams comprising of 20 disadvantaged youths from the Digital Skills Programme vying for the top three spots.
This groundbreaking collaboration created an opportunity to bolster the development of basic robotics skills already acquired during the Digital Skills Programme. The initiative also extends the focus of the TechnoGirl Digital Skills programme, developed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019. Strategically positioned to equip learners with in-demand digital skills matched to future 4IR skills, 600 learners have to date successfully completed the programme
âSignificantly, the ongoing and holistic support offered by the TechnoGirl Programme, in tandem with the funding and technical expertise of the collaborators speaks to a combined commitment to developing young people who are both employable and work-ready, by equipping them with the skills necessary for entry into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career fields,â said Staff Sithole, CEO of the TechnoGirl Trust.
Participants first attended a training workshop on basic robotics to equip them with the know-how on coding and programming of robots. They were then tasked to write code to get their robots to navigate a maze using the dead reckoning method. The competition saw the top three teams receiving an award.
According to Paramount Group (insert position), the competition format creates meaningful but fun engagement between students while leading to the acquisition of technology skills critical to their future employment prospects. âUltimately the purpose of the day extends far beyond building robots. Digital skills are paramount in strengthening critical thinking, developing logical and analytical thinking skills, and enhancing teamwork ability. These in return enable learners to develop competencies calculated to help them thrive and succeed as the workforce of the future.â
âMany of these students do not have access to the necessary resources required to explore STEM and all that it offers due to the expenses associated with the specific material needed, which is why we are thrilled to be part of this initiative, as we have the opportunity to change lives,â explains Head of Communications for Uber, Mpho Sebelebele.
Also, part of the programme were information sessions on a range of career opportunities to study electronics, coding, mechatronics, and industrial automation, finding out more about local and multinational employers in the local IT and manufacturing sector, as well as opportunities for further study with a view towards a degree or diploma.
