The construction of a computer centre wasn’t initially part of the plan for LIV Cape Town. However, that changed when we approached a local IT support company, hoping they might donate a laptop for our ECD Centre. To our surprise, they generously gifted us 16 computers on Mandela Day 2023. Unsure of how to effectively utilise so many devices in a preschool setting, we half-jokingly suggested to one of our donors that we might need to build a computer centre. They loved the idea and immediately pledged to cover half of the construction costs. With their backing, securing the remaining funding came quickly, and construction began in March 2024.
Low-income communities in South Africa face significant educational challenges, including a chronic shortage of qualified teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and limited access to textbooks and technology. With so many barriers to receiving a quality education, it’s no surprise that 78% of Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning in any language.
We are on a mission to transform educational outcomes in our community. Our journey began last year with the launch of our Early Childhood Development Centre, where we educate and nurture 96 children. Now, with the establishment of our new computer and learning centre, we are poised to reach and empower even more young learners. By investing in these young minds, we aim to raise a generation of leaders grounded in strong values and morals, who will drive meaningful and positive change in our country.
By providing access to technology, we will not only expand learning opportunities but also equip students with the essential skills to succeed in a digitally driven world. Our programs will include:
Coding and Programming
We are already running this program for forty 5-year-olds who attend the centre twice a week. They are exploring coding concepts through games, making learning new skills fun. Additionally, we’ve extended our coding program as an extracurricular activity to Grade 1 students from the local primary school, and we look forward to welcoming them in the coming weeks.
After-School Programmes
Focused on providing support with homework and exam preparation for Grade 10 to 12 students, particularly in critical subjects such as mathematics and languages. This age group has the highest dropout rates, making targeted assistance essential. Our plan is to pair students with study buddies from affluent schools, connecting them via Teams. This initiative aims to bridge educational gaps and ensure that every learner receives the support they need to attain their matric certificate.
Basic Computer Skills
Providing access to various training platforms like Udemy, along with structured courses focused on information technology. By equipping high school students with proficiency in essential Microsoft applications, we aim to improve their future job prospects and better prepare them for the workforce.
Professional IT Curriculum
We will be developing a specialised curriculum aimed at preparing students for careers in IT services. This program will focus on training in Microsoft and AWS cloud platforms, as well as foundational cybersecurity skills. Upon course completion, we will work to secure internships with local partners such as Microsoft, Amazon, NTT, BCX, Datacentrix, and other IT service organisations in South Africa. Additionally, scholarships will be available through some of our partners, enabling students to pursue further studies.
Sadly, many students from impoverished communities struggle to see the value of education, often influenced by parents who received limited education themselves and have low expectations for their children. At our centre, we will aim to change this mindset by leveraging technology to inspire and support students in completing, and even furthering their education—an essential first step in breaking the cycle of poverty.
