By Charmaine Ndlela
Stellantis South Africa has partnered with Social Coding South Africa to equip learners and teachers in underserved communities with the digital skills needed for an increasingly technology-driven economy, with the programme set to begin reaching beneficiaries in early 2027.
The automotive company has launched a mobile computer lab that will deliver coding, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) training to schools with limited access to technology.
The initiative forms part of Stellantis Philanthropy, the company’s global programme that supports education, youth development and expanded access to opportunities through sustainable community investment.
The programme aims to build long-term digital capacity by training teachers and certifying young facilitators to continue delivering digital education within their communities.
The lab is designed to overcome transport and infrastructure challenges by bringing digital learning directly to schools.
Beginning in early 2027, the programme will roll out to beneficiary schools, where Grade 8 and 9 learners will receive practical training in coding, robotics, AI and digital literacy, while teachers will be equipped to integrate technology into classroom teaching.
Young people participating in the programme will also receive facilitator training and digital skills certification, with selected participants gaining paid work experience to support the expansion of the initiative.
Learners will have opportunities to compete in national and international robotics competitions, exposing them to global innovation and strengthening their competitiveness in the growing digital economy.
In a press release, Head of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa at Stellantis, Sizwekazi Mdingi, said investing in digital skills is critical to creating long-term social and economic opportunities.
“At Stellantis, we believe that access to skills and opportunities is key to unlocking long-term social and economic progress. Through Stellantis Philanthropy, we support initiatives that help young people build their future and strengthen their communities,” she said.
“Our partnership with Social Coding South Africa reflects this commitment by equipping learners and educators with digital skills that can open doors to future opportunities.”
Founder of Social Coding South Africa, Thembiso Magajana, said the partnership would help bridge the digital divide by making technology education accessible to communities that have traditionally been excluded.
“With Stellantis behind us, our mobile lab can reach learners, teachers and young facilitators who are too often left out of the digital economy and show them that coding, robotics and AI are within their reach. Because we train facilitators and equip teachers, the skills remain in the community long after the lab moves on,” he said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
