awarenet

GET INVOLVED

There are many ways to help us make our vision of knowledge through IT for everyone true

I LOVE AWARENET

About us

Learn more about our mission of bringing knowledge through IT for everyone

We believe, everyone should understand the Internet and have access to knowledge

Awarenet is a learning program using the power of technology to enhance knowledge and educational outcomes. Situated in a disadvantaged area in Makhanda, South Africa, the program gives school learners and community members who have little access to information and communications technology (ICT) in their home and school environments the opportunity to develop their knowledge through the use of innovative technology. The projects in the program include robotics classes where school learners learn the principles of coding by having fun programming robots. Awarenet also offers mathematics classes blending offline and online teaching with the use of trained tutors and an interactive online platform; sparking the interest of learners in maths. Furthermore, we offer groups of learners weekly educational support throughout their five-year high school career after school in a variety of subjects with the use of tablets, computers and a variety of online tools. Awarenet also provides SD-cards to school learners and their families with 64 GB of curated, age appropriate educational resources such as learning videos on every subject on the South African curriculum, e-books and audio-books and previous exam papers. It also helps schools directly by helping revitalise, maintain and supervise school computer labs.

The awarenet Open Lab
The Awarenet Open Lab is a project that gives all community members free access to the two computer labs at the Joza Youth Hub. The philosophy of the Open Lab is that you can “learn by doing” – we therefore encourage community members to learn about computers and the internet by exploring these on their own pace according to their own needs. Around 90% of the users of the Open Lab are school learners who frequently do school projects and homework in the labs. If space is available they are also allowed to play games and use social media as children with little access to ICT at home and school also become computer literate through such playful use. Adults who use the Open Lab often use if for job and university applications. The Open Lab is monitored by trained supervisors.
Robotics and Coding
The robotics and coding program gives learners from disadvantaged schools a head start in the future-orientated field of coding. The learners are taught to program the advanced moves of LEGO robots on laptops. The robots are then run on an obstacle course; making it into a fun and educational game that trigger the early interest of learners in coding. Our learners also take part in national and local competitions such as the World Robot Olympiad.

OUR TEAM

We are a group of very different people united in the believe of a better future for everyone through IT

Latifa Abdoulahi

Volunteer

Being part of the awarenet team allows me to not only live out my passion for photographing and journalism, but also allows me to promote the projects of awarenet.

Clement Simuja

Trustee
IT and Educational Advisor

I became a trustee for Awarenet because of my commitment to the provision of ICT practices that contribute to eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities and develop environment-friendly society where everybody can exercise their rights and develop their full potential.

Our Testimonials

What others say about us

The English teacher was greatly impressed with the learners’ improvement expressing themselves. There was also another improvement in putting their thoughts in writing through awarenet blogs and activities. It further improves their readings as they had to read others blogs and share experiences. Our school has greatly benefited from the programme and we would love to continue with the programme and hope that it could expand.

Mrs Mene

Former Principal of CM Vellem Higher Primary School – In Memoriam

awarenet has provided wonderful opportunities for our learners to expand their IT and writing abilities as well as co-operate with learners from other schools leading to a cross-pollination of ideas and experiences. The one-on-one attention, as well as the positive intranet environment is something that schools would struggle to provide. We are extremely grateful for the opportunities that they provide.

Nicci Hayes

Principal of Nombulelo High School

My experience with awarenet is a story of success. The computer classes were like an adventure to me, because they were fun as well as educational and taught me lots of things. I learnt how to type fast and how to use the basic computer functions. In addition, I made use of the courses that awarenet offers, such as a video editing course where I worked with other learners and a Rhodes University lecturer. I was also able to increase my self-esteem which led to me being more confident while speaking publicly. Computers play a huge role in terms of communication and business all over the world. I am thankful for awarenet giving me the opportunity to educate myself and achieve big things once I am out of school.

Sive Teyise

Grade 9 learner

Awarenet is a fantastic organization for the community of Makhanda. It offers the only possibility to access free Internet in the surroundings. Teaching IT skills is incredible valuable for all sort of things. With the help of awarenet learners can find information for school projects and students can improve their skillset. I am proud to be part of the history of the project and hope it will develop further and grow successful.

Meike Krauss

weltwärts volunteer