Hope and excitement as new door of learning opens for KwaZulu-Natal’s children
UNICEF and BMW Group South Africa launch province’s first coding and robotics hub
Estcourt - Tucked at the foothills of the towering Drakensberg mountains in KwaZulu-Natal province, lies KwaZamokuhle Special School for children with special needs.
Historically, accessing education has been a challenge for children in underserved communities such as this one. Despite this, KwaZamokuhle has for decades been a beacon of hope and excellence for children in this area.
Now, its 220 learners – and others from around the province – are a step closer to access quality, future-focused education, thanks to UNICEF and the BMW Group South Africa’s BRIDGE partnership which has seen the establishment of a new coding and robotics hub in the school.
The BRIDGE partnership is a global initiative that equips young people – particularly those from disadvantaged communities – with 21st-century skills.
In South Africa, this partnership works with the Department of Basic Education to set up coding and robotics hubs in revamped classrooms in pilot schools across every province, thereby providing state-of-the-art technology for teaching, learning, and extracurricular activities.
“What I enjoy doing the most inside the hub is coding a robot car using a cellphone by following all the instructions.”
Sfundo Ndawonde (14) hopes to use the skills he’s learning to become an engineer.
Sbongakonke Mazibuko (13) dreams of taking to the skies as a pilot.
“I wish to create my own aeroplane one day."
KwaZamokuhle’s Principal, Nosipho Mabele, has watched as learners engage in lessons at the hub and says the transformation has been nothing short of inspirational.
“Our learners now have confidence. This hub has given them hope that they, too, can do something and be someone one day,” she says.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a fast-changing world, regardless of where they are born or the challenges they face. By bringing technology and innovation to schools like KwaZamokuhle, we are ensuring that learners with special needs are included in South Africa’s digital future,” says Irfan Akhtar, UNICEF South Africa Deputy Representative.
“While this Hub is part of the global BRIDGE initiative, it is deeply local in its purpose. This is BRIDGE with a human face - powered by global backing but grounded in community. And with a commitment stretching to 2030, it’s built to last,” adds Mbasa Kepe, BMW Group South Africa’s Head of Government and External Affairs.
