Junior Achievement, South Africa (JASA) is pleased to partner with SABIC South Africa as part of a global initiative for SABIC and JA Worldwide themed Lights of our Future. This initiative is aimed investing in communities and changing young lives in 22 countries across six regions with the aim to reach 11,000 students.
In South Africa the partnership has to date, seen 300 Grade 7 learners from the following schools in Mitchells Plein, Western Cape participate in the JASA Coding and Robotics Innovation Camp (CRIC).
- West End Primary School
- Imperial Primary School
- Highlands Primary School
- Wespoort Primary School
- Hazeldene Primary School
- Caravelle Primary School
Innovation Camps (IC) are JA’s experiential programmes that build technical (coding, engineering) and soft skills (creativity, design thinking, teamwork, problem solving) of young learners. The IC is an intense experience as learners have to solve set challenges within a limited time. JASA has been spearheading the STEM2D programme since 2013, noting the importance of preparing learners for the future workforce.
The Coding & Robotics Innovation Camp is a 1-day event targeted grade 7 -12 learners. During this time, learners enhance their knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Manufacturing and Design (STEM2D) subjects and a lifelong learning experience working in teams and building a robot to help them survive in Mars.
The implementation of STEM2 is critical to the growth of our economy. According to the STEM2Dorg, the number of STEM jobs will have grown by 17% between 2014-2024. In 2017, the World Economic Forum noted that 9% of firms in Sub-Saharan Africa claimed feeling constrained due to inadequately skilled labour force.
“We are pleased to partner with such a global leader in innovation. Such partnerships are critical to providing a holistic development for our country’s future workforce” says JASA Managing Director, Nelly Mofokeng.
JA South Africa provides a platform of opportunity by empowering young minds with practical Entrepreneurial skills with sound Financial literacy and Work readiness.
#SABICglobalinitiative #EducationandInnovation #LightsofOurFuture
