14 JUNE 2022
Hillside partners with ORT SA to upskill local teachers in coding and robotics
Our Hillside Aluminium operation in South Africa has teamed up with non-profit education and training organisation, ORT SA, to launch a coding and robotics program in the King Cetshwayo District. The program aims to build capacity at local schools by upskilling teachers to become coding coordinators and pass on important coding skills to their students. Twenty teachers from four high schools in historically disadvantaged areas were selected for the program’s inaugural intake.
Speaking at the program’s launch event, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education’s Acting District Director, Ms Welile Nzama, said: “It is always humbling to work with South32 in our sector because they always prioritise investing in education. What you are doing is to ensure a conducive learning environment, and I thank you for that.”
Hillside Aluminium Vice President Operations, Calvin Mkhabela, said: “Education remains a crucial area and will be a focal point for our team. Nothing can be more fulfilling than reaching out and making a tangible difference in the lives of young people. Joining forces with partners like ORT SA highlights the importance of collaboration to bring about change for generations to come.”
Students participating in their school’s robotics and coding clubs will have the opportunity to develop their skills over four years from grades 8-11 as they progress through several levels of the ORT SA program. Each subsequent year, a new cohort will begin their coding and robotics journeys.
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