SIPHELELE NKETO
A GROUNDBREAKING coding tournament was conducted at Esayidi TVET College to mark a significant step towards digital literacy in the Harry Gwala district.
The recent event brought 150 learners into a room of opportunities to be equipped with essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills through a unique tangible coding methodology. They also engaged in interactive puzzles, transforming physical actions into digital outcomes on their smart-phones.
Schools that participated were: Amawushe Junior Secondary, Clydesdale Junior Secondary, DRC Junior Secondary, Emfundweni Junior Secondary, Ethembeni Junior Secondary, Ibisi Junior Secondary, Longkloof Junior Secondary, and Zwelibanzi Junior Secondary. Event convener Mthunzi Mbewana said that the game-based approach was centred around protecting rhinos from poachers, and that made learning both fun and impactful.
“I wish to thank school principals, convenors and judges for their contribution in creating a space for our learners to code and collaborate, displaying their talents in a competitive environment.
“Hopefully, in some way we will ignite potential and impact the future,” he said. Learners won trophies and medals.
Mbewana encouraged schools to continue with this programme so it would not be a once-off event. He said this would make learners familiar with computation skills.
He thanked all the sponsors and stakeholders that made the event a success.
