Young minds, big ideas: township learners tackle safety with tech  

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Duduza — Emzimkhulu Primary School in Duduza is leading the way in digital education. It is one of the pilot primary schools offering coding and robotics.

Since introducing the programme in 2024, the school has committed to equipping learners with essential 21st-century skills from a young age.

Coding and robotics is the study of designing, building, and programming robots using a combination of electronics, mechanical systems, and computer code.

At Emzimkhulu Primary, the programme is being taught to Grade Six learners and progressing with them. The programme includes both theory and hands-on activities.

Learners start by understanding basic coding concepts such as sequencing, loops, and logic. They then moved on to building simple robots using educational kits and programming them to complete tasks like following a line or avoiding obstacles.

In just their first year in the programme, the school’s learners made an impressive mark in the 2024 year-end competition hosted by ORT SA. The school’s team won first place for their Double-Route Safety Bridge, a project designed to improve pedestrian safety using recyclable materials.

“The kids identified a real problem in their community and designed a solution themselves. I was just the facilitator. They came up with the idea, the design, and the pitch and won! It showed just how capable and creative our learners truly are,” said English teacher and head of coding and robotics Vinoliah Sefoka.

“We were adopted into the programme by the Department of Basic Education in partnership with the ORT SA Foundation and Astron Energy.

“It started as unfamiliar territory but has now become one of the most exciting parts of our school journey,” she explained.

Sefoka said that teachers receive regular training on Tuesdays, after which they implement the lessons with learners during the week.

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The programme offers a mix of hands-on and theoretical learning that introduces them to the fundamentals of coding, logical thinking, and mechanical design.

“Initially, coding seemed intimidating because we did not have much background. But once we got into it, we were hooked.

“It always opens up a whole new world. One begins to see technology around differently, and even something as simple as a camera suddenly becomes fascinating when you understand its code,” she said.

She explained that the programme has been nothing short of transformative for the learners.

“Our learners come from disadvantaged communities, but when they enter a robotics class, it is like a visit to an amusement park. They are always excited, curious, and constantly asking when the next session is.

“Beyond the fun, the programme teaches them critical skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

“They learn to vocalise their ideas and troubleshoot together. Most importantly, they learn there is a world of opportunity beyond what they know,” added Sefoka.

Sefoka also added that running such an advanced programme in a township setting comes with unique challenges, such as limited access to transportation.

“Many learners use the school bus to travel home, which leaves at a certain hour daily. This makes it tough and cuts our training time short. The school has to creatively adjust schedules to make time for coding without affecting academic learning.

“Improvisation is our middle name. Sometimes we borrow time from regular classes just to keep the programme going,” Sefoka mentioned.

She further mentioned that the school has received strong support from parents, sustaining learners’ deep commitment.

She highlighted that the program offers the learners exposure to STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and introduces them to careers they may never have imagined, from software development to engineering and beyond.

“For these kids, it is more than a lesson. It is a glimpse into a world of possibilities. They are learning that being from a township does not limit what you can achieve.

“They are privileged to have this opportunity, and I feel privileged to guide them through it. The skills we acquire as teachers through this programme also open doors to further career development.

“We can train others, act as ambassadors, or even explore careers in digital education. It is empowering for us, too,” elaborated Sefoka

Emzimkhulu Primary continues to stand as an example of possibilities, equipping young minds with the tools to dream, design, and deliver their future.