iSchoolAfrica partners iStore to give iPads to 10,000 SA matriculants.
iSchoolAfrica has partnered iStore to iPads to 10,000 South African matriculants on the #MyFuture programme.
iSchoolAfrica is an education trust that provides the world’s best technology to under-resourced schools in South Africa.
The #MyFuture programme sees to it that devices, data, live study sessions and curriculum materials are given to students.
Director of iSchoolAfrica Education Trust, Michelle Lissoos said, “School closures have necessitated a move to e-learning. In theory, this could be an important step towards a more equitable education system. But the reality is very different. Most South African learners lack access to devices, data and quality educational resources.”
“Our goal with the iSchoolAfrica #MyFuture programme is to assist 10,000 matrics that have fallen behind due to COVID-19 with an iPad catch up programme. We are reliant on individual and corporate support to reach this goal and invite you to join our intervention and help secure their futures. We understand the need on all of us is huge at this time, but the consequence of us not addressing this education crisis will extend way beyond the immediate effects of the pandemic,” Lissoos further stated.
Also, CEO of iStore, Chris Dodd said, “We want to change the lives for as many learners as possible and if we want our matrics to do their best, they must have the best. This includes access to the best tools for remote learning and programmes which are able to support matric catch up.”
“We have partnered with iSchoolAfrica again, as they have a legacy of empowering our youth to succeed since 2009 and their programmes ensure that technology like iPads is accompanied with educational best practice and support for teachers and learners,”
Aside from that, #MyFuture programme learners will have access to a digital learning kit which includes the following:
- Refurbished iPads to support learners with digital learning
- Access to high-quality curriculum relevant Grade 12 content
- Live study sessions with teachers
- Live study sessions with fellow matric learners
- Sufficient data to connect to the programme
iSchoolAfrica and iStore are inviting other corporate partners to get involved so they can help as many learners as possible.
South Africans and corporate partners can get involved with the #MyFuture programme in three ways.
The first is to trade your iPad at iStore. There iStore will collect used iPads and refurbish it in a trade with customers. Those who trade in will get reduced prices on other purchases so that newer iPad, iPhone or other Apple device will cost less.
People can also contribute to the #MyFuture crowdfunding campaign. The goal of the campaign is to raise $300 000 (~R5.2 million) before 2nd October this year.
Lastly, companies can become a corporate sponsor who can assist iSchoolAfrica in ensuring maximum learners have access to the #MyFuture programme by sponsoring iPad digital learning toolkits.