03 Apr Global Leading Light Initiative – Recyclebot Builders Project
The Global Leading Light Initiative requested funding amount of R1,989,388.06 towards their RecycleBot learners’ coding and robotics training project.
BACKGROUND
GLLI is a registered non-profit organisation and a Cisco accredited networking academy founded in 2015 to create opportunities for youth, women and people with disabilities to participate in the digital economy. Since its establishment in 2015 it has managed to empower over 1,000 youth through its schools and community projects.
In 2019, GLLI was supported by the IDC to pilot a nine-months hands-on ICT gadgets repair training programme in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province. Five young people were trained and supported to establish their own businesses. This resulted in five youth-owned businesses being created. These businesses have been sustainable to date and are currently still in operation. The aim was to scale the Mthatha model to other areas in the Eastern Cape.
Project description
The RecycleBot builders project aims to train learners in coding and robotics. Under the project, a selection of educators was trained and mentored to be master trainers so that they can be able to continue with the coding and robotics programme in their schools. Furthermore, STEM Educator Assistant were employed for 12 months to assist educators in the identified schools. GLLI has signed an MoU with the Department of Basic Education’s Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape to implement the coding and robotics project to Grade R to 3 learners in 5 schools.
Benefits of the Programme
RecycleBot Builders does not only serve as an educational catalyst but also contributes significantly to social inclusivity, economic empowerment, and fostering a culture of innovation. The RecycleBot Builders aligns to South Africa’s developmental goals of poverty eradication, job creation, and improvement of education and skills of in underdeveloped communities. It also supports goals one and four of the Sustainable Development Goals (no poverty and quality education) ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable impact on individuals and communities.
The programme enhances STEM education accessibility and relevance for young learners, aligning with BBBEE priorities in skills development among the youth. It addresses youth unemployment through opportunities such as educator assistants. It fosters innovation and problem-solving skills among learners and assistants.
Impact
Number of learners to benefit-500
Number of educators to be trained-30
Number of schools to benefit-5
Number of Stem educator’s assistance-7
Facts about Robotics
Robotics is the intersection of science engineering and technology that produces machines called robots which replicate or substitute human actions. These robots perform basic and repetitive tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy than human making them ideal for industries like manufacturing. The remarkable creations can be equipped with artificial intelligence allowing them to perceive their environment through senses like vision and touch. Some robots even possess simple decision-making abilities and ongoing research.
Learning and teaching in schools has evolved and simple methods and techniques have been introduced into the education system and the introduction of learning robotics is one approach that’s bringing fun into a classroom setting. The integration of robotics and automation into educational programmes has the following benefits:
- A hands-on approach to teaching science, technology, engineering, mathematics and stem concepts.
- Leaners engage in practical activities building and programing robots which reinforces the theoretical knowledge and foster deeper understanding.
- It helps to master critical thinking skill and to solve complex problems.
- It also helps learners to analyse situations, trouble shoot issues and devise creative solutions
