We’re thrilled to announce that SchoolNet South Africa has been recognized as a winner in the prestigious Ciena Solutions Challenge! Our project, “InnovateEd: Code & Create“ has earned us a $3,000 USD Sustainability Award, allowing us to further our mission of empowering educators and transforming classrooms.

The Ciena Solutions Challenge, a collaborative initiative by Digital Promise and Ciena, is a global challenge-based learning program that empowers middle and high school students to tackle real-world problems aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It encourages young people to identify pressing issues within their communities and develop innovative, sustainable solutions using technology and creative thinking. The challenge provides a platform for students to engage in meaningful learning experiences, develop critical skills, and become active contributors to a more sustainable future.

The “InnovateEd: Code & Create” Project addresses the critical need for coding and robotics skills in South Africa’s education system. This project focuses on:

• Empowering Teachers: Providing educators with the training and resources to confidently integrate coding and robotics into their teaching practices.
• Building a Foundation: Supporting the effective implementation of the national coding curriculum.
• Creating Sustainable Learning: Establishing coding clubs within schools to ensure that these skills are developed and maintained over time.
• Developing Future-Ready Skills: Fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in students through hands-on coding and robotics activities.
• Aligning with Global Goals: Contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, by enhancing teaching methods and promoting digital literacy.
  The Impact

With this award, SchoolNet South Africa will be able to expand the reach and impact of “InnovateEd: Code & Create,” reaching even more teachers and students across the country. By equipping educators with the tools and knowledge to teach coding and robotics, we are preparing learners for success in the 21st century and beyond.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful for the recognition from the Ciena Solutions Challenge. This award will enable us to continue our work in transforming education and creating a brighter future for South Africa’s learners.

Learn more about our project;

https://www.cienachallenge.org/en/custom/projects/view/28349