ThinkShift

We’re excited to announce a major milestone in our journey with the UNICEF South Africa Youth Coding and Robotics Pilot Programme! We successfully concluded the provincial coding and robotics competitions in partnership with University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika Science Engagement Centre’s Virtual Gear Competition. This marks the culmination of months of teacher training across all provinces, preparing educators to teach coding and robotics to learners. It has been inspiring to witness students with no prior experience transform into skilled builders and coders, showcasing the immense potential within our schools to implement the new coding and robotics curriculum. 🎥 Check out the highlight video from our North West competition, hosted at Moremogolo Primary School in Phokeng village of the Royal Bafokeng Nation. https://lnkd.in/g86kA5tr Provincial winners will now advance to the prestigious First Lego League competition—an incredible STEM platform for our schools, 80% of which are competing for the first time! Together, we’re shifting the future. #ThinkShift #UNICEF #YouthEmpowerment #Coding #Robotics #STEMEducation #StudentCompetitions #VirtualGear #FLL

This #YouthMonth, our CEO Busi Mkhumbuzi Pooe is featured in the #AshokaFellowSpotlight. Read more about our work below:

Announcing a Game-Changing Move in Education! 🚀 As part of the UNICEF and BMW Group Bridge global partnership, we are proud to announce that we will be setting up coding and robotics hubs across South Africa in the coming months. The first hub has already been identified: Lethabong Maths, Science, and ICT School of Specialisation with a focus on automotives in Shoshanguve, Gauteng. This school has been hailed as a game-changer and an institution with the potential to equip learners with skills to operate in the automotive industry in the future! ThinkShift recently visited the school to hand over robotics kits, laptops, and other equipment, ensuring that the school can advance its coding and robotics efforts. In addition, Lethabong will become a host for neighboring schools and community members interested in these activities. We are extremely proud of this achievement and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the community. Together, we are empowering the next generation of innovators! #STEMEducation #Technology #Coding #Robotics #UNICEF #BMW #BridgeProgram #DigitalEconomy #EmpoweringYouth #CommunityEngagement

Following the success of our 2023 UNICEF National Teacher Training Conference on Coding and Robotics, we have kickstarted provincial training workshops to reach teachers where they are! Each workshop is designed to provide educators with hands-on training and resources to integrate the LEGO Spike Prime platform into their teaching practices effectively. These sessions are conducted in classrooms at host schools within the province, ensuring a realistic and practical learning experience. ✅ Completed Workshops: - Gauteng - Eastern Cape - Free State - Northern Cape - Western Cape - KwaZulu-Natal 👋 See you soon: - Limpopo - North West - Mpumalanga Stay tuned for more updates! 🚀✨ #STEMEducation #TeacherTraining #UNICEF #Coding #Robotics #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmpoweringEducators

Opportunity Alert! Are you passionate about promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in STEM education? ThinkShift is seeking a skilled consultant to conduct action research on the impact of our coding and robotics pilot program in empowering girls to pursue education and careers in STEM. 🔍 Role: Action Research Consultant 📅 Duration: 3 months 🌍 Location: Gauteng, South Africa 📆 Application Deadline: June 17, 2024 @ 17:00 Interested? Submit your CV, a brief proposal, and a sample of previous work to support@thinkshift.africa. #STEM #Education #GenderEquality #ResearchOpportunity #ThinkShift

ThinkShift is proud to empower educators and officials nationwide with Coding and Robotics expertise. Check out this article from the Department of Basic Education: https://lnkd.in/gN_yvqY6 #EducationForAll #ThinkShift #DBE #UNICEF #Coding #Robotics #21stCenturySkills

Congratulations to the Department of Basic Education officials who received certificates of proficiency in LEGO robotics! Last week, we brought together 90 officials from district, provincial, and national offices for an immersive LEGO Spike Prime experience. Participants were introduced to the robot and engaged in hands-on practical learning, successfully completing various missions. This DBE Officials Conference is a component of the UNICEF Youth Coding and Robotics Pilot Program, focused on closing the STEM gap by equipping schools with the latest technological resources for effective coding and robotics education in the classroom. We extend our gratitude to the Department of Basic Education for their support and to BMW for their sponsorship. #STEMeducation #Coding #Robotics #UNICEF #EducationForAll

ThinkShift's implementation of the UNICEF Coding and Robotics pilot program is showcased in the UK-based, Pioneers Post. Specifically, the article delves into how activities such as coding and robotics play a pivotal role in fostering the development of 21st-century skills. Read more below.

Congratulations to our CEO Busi Mkhumbuzi Pooe on her election to the Ashoka Global Fellowship! This recognition is a testament to ThinkShift's commitment to driving systemic change in education. We are proud to be at the forefront of developing and assessing 21st-century skills. #ThinkShift #AshokaFellowship #EducationRevolution

We're excited to share the video highlights from the UNICEF Coding and Robotics National Teacher Training Conference! ThinkShift had the privilege to provide training and facilitation, empowering 250 educators and DBE officials with the essential knowledge, skills, and resources for integrating coding and robotics into the technology curriculum. Training of teachers and officials is a crucial component of the UNICEF South Africa initiative aimed at bridging the STEM gap by equipping schools with advanced technological resources for effective coding and robotics education in classrooms. We are grateful for the support from the Department of Basic Education. #ThinkShift #STEMeducation #Coding #Robotics #UNICEF #EducationForAll https://lnkd.in/dzYEATNJ