The remarkable strides made in coding education, the significant impact on gender equality, and the visionary projects that emerged from the Coding and Robotics initiative that has been made possible by the collaborative effort of Route Monitoring and ORT SA’s, was made clear at the Let Kidz Code year-end function for 2023.
In the course of the past year, the Route Monitoring (RM) project has made a profound impact, positively influencing the lives of 124 learners actively engaged in Coding Clubs across four primary schools in the Tsakane district. These clubs, skillfully overseen by a dedicated team of 24 teachers, receive unwavering support from ORT’s facilitators. Notably, an inspiring 70% of teachers and 52% of our learners in these coding clubs are female, marking a significant stride toward gender equality in technology-related careers.
A testament to female empowerment in STEM, the Let Kidz Code year-end function saw the group Water Saving from Funukukhanya Primary School claimed the top spot in the Judges Choice category. Comprising a team of intelligent young ladies, they presented an innovative project that utilizes sensory technology to promote water conservation, addressing the pressing issue of water shortage in South Africa. This initiative underscores ORT SA’s commitment to fostering solutions that align with the current challenges facing South African society.
The Let Kids Code project is ORT SA’s proactive response to the growing demand for ICT and STEM competencies in historically disadvantaged schools and communities. By delivering coding courses to these communities, our aim is to impart futuristic technological skills to both learners and teachers at the school level. Beyond nurturing 21st Century Skills, the project champions STEM education, empowering the Department of Education and school educators to infuse technology and innovation into their teaching methodologies.
Pooven Chetty, Information Systems & Strategic Planning from Gauteng East District calls for expansion of these programmes into South African high schools, “We need to expand, because just as ORT SA has planted the seed to grow in primary schools and you want to see the “STEM” grow. When I say “STEM” I’m talking about science, technology, engineering and math – physically as well as the stem of the seed that needs to grow, we need to see it happening at our high schools.”
Route Monitoring’s support has ensured that ORT SA can continue make a lasting impact on education, technology, and gender equality, ensuring a brighter future for our learners and communities
