The first mobile computer lab funded by automaker Stellantis has started visiting schools in South Africa’s underserved communities. It provides hands-on training in coding, robotics, and digital skills for students and teachers.
Mobile lab brings equipment to classrooms
The lab is a converted vehicle outfitted with laptops and robotics kits. It parks at participating schools for several weeks at a time. Instructors from nonprofit Social Coding South Africa teach digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
Stellantis designed the program for Grade 8 and 9 learners, who receive direct instruction. Teachers attend separate training sessions to learn how to use digital tools in their own classrooms. The automaker also intends to train and certify young adults as facilitators, with some earning paid work experience to help grow the initiative.
Program designed to leave skills behind
This effort is part of Stellantis Philanthropy, the company’s global initiative focused on education and youth development. The program aims to build lasting capacity by training local facilitators and equipping teachers with skills they can use after the lab moves on.
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Thembiso Magajana, founder of Social Coding South Africa, stated that the partnership helps bridge the gap between talent in communities and opportunities they often miss. “With Stellantis behind us, our mobile lab reaches learners, teachers, and young facilitators who are usually excluded from the digital economy,” Magajana said. “We show them that coding, robotics, and AI are within their reach.”
Participants will also have the chance to compete in national and international robotics competitions. Organizers believe these events will encourage engagement and skill development.
Sizwekazi Mdingi, Stellantis head of communications and corporate social responsibility for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said access to skills and opportunities is vital for social and economic progress. “Through Stellantis Philanthropy, we support initiatives that help young people build their future and strengthen their communities,” Mdingi said. “Our work with Social Coding South Africa reflects this by giving learners and educators tools that can create new opportunities.”
