For 35 years, Sparrow Schools has provided affordable, quality education to children and youth facing barriers to learning or coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. During this time, they’ve received prestigious awards, including recognition from South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, and have equipped thousands of young South Africans with the tools to build better futures. Now, in a move set to empower students who may have never had access before, Sparrow Schools and Vuma are coming together to ensure the power of connectivity reaches more lives than ever before.
Renata Noble, CSI Manager at Sparrow Schools, shares, “I am incredibly proud to be able to launch our IT and Robotics programme. It is a stunning idea that will open up a world of future opportunities for our students by teaching skills in robotics and coding.”
“We have been fortunate to have incredible partners over the years, which has allowed us to achieve amazing things, such as launching our robotics programme. But what keeps me up at night is the uncertainty—wondering if those partners will still be there in the long run. It’s difficult to fully realise the potential of a programme when you can’t be sure of the funding for the next year.”
Opening New Doors
Thankfully, their partnership with Vuma, one of the country’s leading fibre network operators, brings some much-needed stability. This collaboration provides Sparrow Schools with a free, unlimited 1Gbps connection, part of Vuma’s commitment to enhancing connectivity for learners nationwide. Through this fibre connection Sparrow Schools has been able to initiate, maintain and grow their IT and robotics programme, bringing access to those who never had it before.
Taylor Kwong, Vuma’s Head of Marketing, explains, “This partnership is emblematic of how access to infrastructure and modern technology can unlock new opportunities in places where they were previously inaccessible. We are at the cusp of a new world and it’s important that we create these kinds of collaborations so that everyone can enjoy the benefits and opportunities that come with of technology. This partnership furthers that mission.”
Empowering Students Through Innovation
Sparrow Schools’ robotics and coding programme, designed with the future in mind, gives learners hands-on experience in the technologies shaping tomorrow’s industries. Through a blend of interactive platforms, students explore new technologies in an environment that is both nurturing and fun.
“Programmes like these are the reason everyone at these schools loves their job,” says Noble. “Whether it’s robotics or our retail training, we’re not just teaching skills; we’re giving our learners a real chance to succeed.”
However, Noble is quick to point out the ongoing need for continuous funding. “We create truly groundbreaking programmes, and only being able to run them for a limited time isn’t just disappointing—it robs our students of the chance to make the most of our partners’ generosity and change their lives for the better.”
Sparrow Schools remains committed to its mission and students are welcome to enrol all year round. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit their website today.