The Cheslin Kolbe Foundation (CKF) has announced its partnership with iStore and iSchoolAfrica to implement a technology-enhanced education programme at Petunia Primary School in Kraaifontein, Cape {town} Etc reports.
This partnership will aim to empower learners, teachers and the broader community by providing access to cutting-edge technology and classroom practices. The launch event of the partnership will take place at Petunia Primary School on Friday, 6 December.
This will mark the start of a journey to provide learners and educators with the tools they need to ‘overcome challenges and unlock their full potential’.
This collaboration has drawn on the inspirational journey of Cheslin Kolbe, who overcame a challenging upbringing in Kraaifontein, which has often been associated with gang violence and poverty.
Cheslin, along with his wife Layla, established the CKF to help uplift communities and rewrite negative narratives through sports, education, and community development.
‘Our vision is to empower children and communities to overcome challenges and reach their full potential, creating happy homes and thriving communities,’ said Kolbe.
‘iSchoolAfrica aligns closely with our mission to uplift and empower youth in our communities, and we are grateful to iStore for making this possible,’ Kolbe added.
Petunia Primary School will be the first beneficiary of this initiative and is also located just a few minutes from Kolbe’s childhood home.
The primary school currently serves over 780 children and stands to benefit from the resources and expertise provided by iSchoolAfrica, an organisation that is dedicated to bridging educational gaps through technology.
The partnership between iSchoolAfrica, iStore, and CKF will focus on access to education technology, upskilling educators, empowering learners and fostering sustainable impact.
This will include that a mobile iPad lab equipped with 20 iPads will be provided to Petunia Primary, as well as teachers who will receive professional training, mentorship and ongoing support to integrate digital tools into their teaching practices.
In addition, the programme will aim to improve numeracy skills and prepare students to be able to thrive in a digitally advanced world, as well as equip stakeholders with the necessary tools and training to ensure a lasting impact on the community.
‘We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation to empower children and communities to fulfill their true potential. Our solution is about no compromise – giving our youth the education they deserve. What better role model exemplifies quality performance at the highest level than Cheslin Kolbe?’ said Michelle Lissoos, iSchoolAfrica Executive Director.
‘This partnership underscores our shared commitment to making a meaningful, sustainable difference in the lives of South African youth,’ Lissoos added.
The mobile iPad lab will be funded through iStore’s sponsorship, as well as teacher training and mentorship and curriculum-relevant software.
‘iPad is the chosen educational tool for schools around the world and iSchoolAfrica, now in its 15th year of operations, continues to be our partner of choice to invest in South Africa’s most under-resourced schools,’ said Chris Dodd, iStore CEO.
‘We are thrilled to be extend this partnership to Cheslin and Layla in giving back to a community which is so close to their hearts. We encourage other sponsors and mentors wanting to make a difference to teaching and learning to invest in the future of young South Africans through iSchoolAfrica,’ Dodd added.
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Picture: Cheslin Kolbe Foundation / Facebook
