GWF reaches more than 13 000 rural primary school learners from 40 schools every year, who are given access to tablets and computers to learn about coding, robotics and conservation — all with a creative flourish, says the NPO.

Over 300 young adults graduate from its Bridging Year Academy and more than 120 from its vocation-specific Career Academies annually, significantly boosting their prospects of finding work, starting their own ventures or pursuing further studies.

The envisaged Dixie campus, in a village in the remote Manyeleti region adjoining the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve near the Kruger National Park, will broaden that footprint even further. Therefore young people won't need to leave their village to access world-class digital learning, adds the NPO.

GWF is currently raising funds and seeking sponsors for the new campus, its seventh. It will be built on the Hananani Primary School grounds, where the non-profit is already running its Open Learning Academy lessons.

"A Dream Come True"

For Anorld Mdhluli, Manager of GWF's Open Learning Academy, the building of the new Dixie campus is "a dream come true". 

"Ten years ago, GWF CEO Kate Groch promised me that one day they would build a campus in the villages I'm from. I still have the piece of paper she signed. When I was told last year, 'Anorld, your dream is about to come true', it was music to my ears — I couldn't believe it."

Mdhluli was raised in the rural community of Seville B, Makrepeni, which adjoins Dixie village. It's an area with high poverty and unemployment, and limited educational infrastructure.

As a graduate of GWF's Bridging Year Academy who was subsequently employed by the organisation and has worked his way up through the ranks, Mdhluli knows how a quality education can change lives — including his own. He is also currently studying community development through Unisa, says the NPO.

"Computers can open up new worlds of possibility," he says. "Every day in my work, I see kids smiling and enjoying using tablets and computers. I truly appreciate seeing GWF reaching the villages that I come from, so they can enjoy the same benefits."

When the Fourth Industrial Revolution Reaches Remote Villages

Fumani Mathumbu, Special Projects Manager at GWF, says building new learning centres in remote villages gives these communities a much-needed financial boost. A flurry of economic activity springs up around each campus, from new shops and taxi routes to internet cafés and catering businesses.

"One of the most exciting things about building a new GWF campus is getting to know the community that will be hosting us," says Mathumbu. For the Dixie campus, a planning committee has been established comprising the local induna, ward councillor, school principal and other youth and community representatives."

Mathumbu is upbeat about the impact a new digital learning centre will have in this remote region, helping locals keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. "We specifically want to work in rural South Africa, where the need for education is the most pressing," concludes Mathumbu.

For more information, visit www.goodworkfoundation.org. You can also follow the Good Work Foundation on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor