On 1 August 2024, iSchoolAfrica (www.iSchoolAfrica.com) proudly commemorates 15 years of driving educational change across South Africa. Since its inception, iSchoolAfrica has leveraged the world’s best technology and educational practices to reduce inequalities, enhance opportunities for exceptional employment, and stimulate economic growth. 

iSchoolAfrica’s 15 years of success and sustainability stem from an unwavering commitment to making quality technology affordable and accessible. A key element of the programme is the rotation of mobile iPad labs from classroom to classroom – ensuring accessibility, security, longevity, usability, and durability. 

The technology solution has a remarkable 5% failure rate, which demonstrates the reliability and durability of their technology. With iPads lasting an estimated 5-6 years within school environments, iSchoolAfrica ensures minimal downtime in schools, contributing to uninterrupted learning and significant cost savings on technical support. This is boosted by the iPads’ Mobile Device Management system, which allows for quick and easy remote support. 

By upskilling and empowering project champions to execute programs independently, iSchoolAfrica ensures lasting, impactful education solutions with zero compromise on quality and best practices. The fact that there is no compromise gives educators and learners alike the confidence that they matter and this is seen through the improved engagement and performance of the students. 

“Over the last 15 years, against all odds we’ve achieved some incredible things, inspiring teachers to love their jobs again, helping children discover their love of learning through iPad lessons, while sparking hope for countless young learners’ futures,“ says Michelle Lissoos, Executive Director of iSchoolAfrica. 

Through strategic collaborations with partners, iSchoolAfrica equips South Africa’s youth with the tools needed to thrive. The initiative focuses on under-resourced township and rural schools, from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12, including mainstream and special needs education. Each school receives a secure mobile lab of 20 iPads, loaded with curriculum software and teacher training and mentoring. The built-in accessibility features of iPads also support children with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education for all. 

Another key aspect to iSchoolAfrica’s endurance has been the partnerships it has formed along the way. Growthpoint is one such long-term partner, having supported over 25 schools since 2014.  

Commenting on their involvement, head of Growthpoint CSR Shawn Theunissen, says: “In order for us to provide support for education, we also needed to ensure that we provide a digital solution. You want to ensure that you are future proofing the youth of South Africa.”  

Since its launch, iSchoolAfrica has reached all nine provinces in South Africa, impacting 341 schools and training over 3,000 teachers  — impacting over 100,000 learners. Later this year, in partnership with the Imbeleko Foundation, they plan to launch the first Apple Training Authorised Centre in Africa, located in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal. 

Key Educational Programmes 

iSchoolAfrica is focused on four key educational programmes. These include: 

1. Early Learning 
Recognising the critical importance of a child’s early years, iSchoolAfrica integrates technology into preschool and Grade R to help teachers address core developmental skills essential for young learners. The Early Learning Programme supports the NCF and CAPS curriculum frameworks through interactive social stories and learn-through-play activities. 

2. Numeracy and Literacy 
iSchoolAfrica addresses South Africa’s literacy and numeracy crisis by ensuring learners grasp foundational skills. Partnering with the Unlocking Talent Through Technology Initiative, iSchoolAfrica brings the one billion numeracy programme to primary schools, achieving an average increase of 15% in numeracy results since 2009.  

3. Disability and Inclusion 
The Inclusion Programme provides solutions for children with various disabilities, including autism, low vision, and cerebral palsy. With 36 special needs schools, iSchoolAfrica has the distinction of having the first Apple Distinguished Special Needs School in the world. Collaborations with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA and CORE have also helped introduce iPads to hospital schools in Gauteng, supporting paediatric oncology patients’ education during treatment. 

“We have seen a total change in the nature of our learners. They have become a lot more disciplined, creative and enthusiastic. Our kids now have a sense of pride. It empowers them,” says Ishwarlal Reggie, Deputy Principal, MCK Special School. 

4. Coding and Robotics 
Empowering learners to become innovators, leaders, and builders of their futures, iSchoolAfrica introduces coding and robotics through Apple’s Everyone Can Code Curriculum. This program, spanning from ECD to higher education, exposes learners to coding and app design via interactive puzzles and code walkthroughs. 

“As iSchoolAfrica celebrates this milestone, our commitment to educational excellence and reducing inequalities remains stronger than ever. We look forward to continuing this journey of empowering South Africa’s youth and transforming the educational landscape for years to come,” concludes Lissoos. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSchoolAfrica.

NOTE TO EDITORS 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ima Peter
+27 11 268 6388
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za

About iSchoolAfrica:
Since 2009, iSchoolAfrica has provided over 100 000 South African learners, from ECD to Grade 12, with state-of-the-art technology and education practices. Together with our partners, school leaders and educators, we have changed teaching and learning in the most under resourced and vulnerable communities across South Africa, giving youth the opportunity to learn, create and succeed.

Impact and Awards
· Active in nine provinces
· 341 schools in the programme
· 300+ trained teachers
· 200+ rural youth facilitators
· 500+ trained media changemakers
• 22 Excellence in Education Awards
• 2023 Foundation Disability Empowerment Award
• 2023 Gauteng Women’s Excellence Award for Innovation
• 2018 New Generation Award
• 2017 Eduweek Award, Inclusion

Programmes
• Early Learning
• Numeracy and Literacy
• Disability and Inclusion
• Coding and Robotics
• Media Changemaker

In a significant step to bolster humanitarian efforts, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified its support to communities in its member states through impactful, people-focused projects. A delegation from the ECOWAS Commission, led by Mr. Godfrey Ameachi Alozie, Program Officer for Humanitarian Affairs, participated in the flag-off ceremony for the ECOWAS Humanitarian Support to Nigeria for communities affected by the devastating floods of 2022, in Adamawa State of Nigeria, 30th July, 2024.

Through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nigeria received a substantial flood assistance fund of $906,205 from ECOWAS, aimed at community resilience building and recovery. In collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross, the ministry identified six of the most affected states: Adamawa, Anambra, Kebbi, Kogi, Oyo, and Rivers with a target of reaching 3,500 households within these selected states. Aside from the food distribution and the cash transfer to each household beneficiary, the project will also build two boreholds in each state, to ease the people’s access to clean water.

Beneficiaries were selected through a transparent process, ensuring that the most vulnerable households were prioritized. Each household received a comprehensive relief package, which included 25kg of rice, 15kg of garri, 12kg of beans, 5 liters of palm oil, and 5 liters of vegetable oil. Additionally, each household was provided with a debit card loaded with N 91,500 naira, with a monthly withdrawal limit of N30,500 naira. Following the distribution of aid, a borehole was officially launched to improve the community’s access to clean water, further enhancing their resilience and recovery efforts.

During the ceremony, Mr. Alozie reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to raising the living standards of its citizens, strengthening their resilience on the path to recovery with dignity, and ensuring that no one is left behind. He noted that with this initiative, ECOWAS has transitioned from an ECOWAS of states to an ECOWAS of people, as these projects target the people directly. “Floods wreak havoc and expose us to losses. With Adamawa State having 1,000 households in the two selected LGAs, it is our hope that these tokens will go a long way in improving their living conditions and recovery,” he said. He further explained that ECOWAS, as a proactive organization, will also be spending another $2 million for counter-terrorism operations and a stabilization fund.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Abel Enitan, remarked, “The 2022 floods had a devastating impact on most communities across the country, but thanks to the Nigerian government and its partners, especially ECOWAS and the Nigerian Red Cross, substantial progress has been made in addressing the needs of the affected communities. The project has provided food items, multipurpose cash assistance, and boreholes in the selected communities.”

The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Humanitarian Services, Barrister Bello Diram, hailed the initiative and pledged the support of the Government of Adamawa State to all humanitarian initiatives both now and in the future. “Your choice of Adamawa State demonstrates a profound comprehension of the region’s needs and potential,” he stated.

The President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, saluted ECOWAS, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the Adamawa State Government for their support and commitment to humanitarian services. He reiterated his agency’s dedication to always assist, support, and rebuild when called upon. “We are here not just for today, but for as long as it takes to restore hope and dignity to those affected by the floods and other disasters. Our mission is clear: to alleviate human suffering and to be a beacon of hope in times of despair,” he added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The West Africa Monetary Agency (WAMA) recently convened in Dakar, Senegal, from 26-29 July 2024, for the Forty-Fifth Joint Ordinary Meeting of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee and Operations and Administration Committee. This esteemed gathering was promptly followed by a distinguished meeting of Central Bank Governors from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region, who assembled to deliberate and adopt recommendations from the Technical Committee.

During the meeting, the Governors underscored the paramount importance of Central Banks in the ECOWAS region exerting their utmost efforts to ensure the attainment of the stringent criteria for the Eco currency. They reiterated the crucial need for collaboration and harmonization among ECOWAS institutions working on convergence and microeconomic matters to achieve the timeline in the roadmap for the implementation of the Eco.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandje TOURE-LITSE, representing the President of the ECOWAS Commission, extended His Excellency’s warm regards and stressed the ECOWAS Commission’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with other Community institutions in realizing the regional integration agenda. She emphasized the significance of the WAMA’s Mid-Term Statutory meeting in advancing the attainment of the Eco currency, a pivotal milestone in the region’s economic integration.

The meeting served as a testament to the ECOWAS region’s unwavering commitment to achieving economic integration and monetary convergence. The Governors’ resolve to deploy their best efforts to meet the criteria for the establishment of the Eco currency demonstrates their dedication to this noble cause, which promises to usher in a new era of economic prosperity and cooperation in the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Nationals in Great Britain have contributed about 31 thousand Pounds towards augmenting the National Martyrs Trust Fund.

According to the Public and Community Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, nationals in London contributed 17,537 Pounds, nationals in Cardiff and Newport 3,230 Pounds, nationals in Manchester 3,000 Pounds, nationals in Birmingham 2,290 Pounds, nationals in Liverpool 2,000 Pounds, nationals in Leeds 1,355 Pounds, nationals in Sheffield 677 Pounds, and nationals in Coventry 500 Pounds.

The contributions were made in connection with the ongoing support that nationals have been extending to the families of martyrs and towards augmenting the Martyrs Trust Fund.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.