Managing trustee of the Shoprite Foundation, Maude Modise with a robotics learner from Cingani High school..

Helping to address South Africa’s critical skills gap, the Shoprite Foundation invested over R3 million to equip two fully functional robotics labs at Cingani High School and Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School in Motherwell, Eastern Cape.

Focused on Grade 8 and 9 learners, these labs will provide foundational knowledge and essential skills in robotics, coding, mechanical design and digital literacy competencies to equip learners to navigate an increasingly automated and technology-driven job market.

“Technology has the ability to transform lives. By investing in technology education, the Shoprite Foundation is supporting a future where young people have the necessary skills and opportunities to succeed in a world where demand continues to grow for roles such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning specialists as well as robotics engineers,” says Maude Modise, managing trustee of the Shoprite Foundation.

The introduction of two labs in Motherwell marks an exciting step towards broadening access to robotics in schools and communities across South Africa. Through this investment, the Foundation aims to equip our youth with core competencies such as analytical thinking, cognitive abilities, resilience, teamwork, and collaboration.

Learners that participate in the robotics lab curriculum will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognised certifications, which they can add to their resume before entering higher education or the workforce.

“Watching young learners experiment with robotics and eventually master practical, future-orientated skills is one of the most rewarding aspects of the work we do at the Shoprite Foundation. It is also essential to enable the professional development of our educators, who are at the heart of this project’s success,” said Maude Modise, managing trustee of the Shoprite Foundation.

Twenty-five teachers from Cingani and Soqhayisa schools have completed extensive training in robotics and coding, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. The training emphasised critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Evaluations were done through practical projects and quizzes, ensuring educators are equipped to teach these subjects effectively.

The launch of the robotics labs in Motherwell, supported by Sifiso Edtech follows the successful rollout of two robotics labs in KwaZulu-Natal in January 2024, which support thousands of high school learners.

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