Programme

Open Learning Academy

Good Work Foundation’s Open Learning Academy operates at each of our six digital learning campuses. This programme connects with a network of 29 rural schools, providing relevant and inspiring learning activities to primary school learners in South Africa’s Mpumalanga and Free State provinces.

Programme Stats

Number of Staff

58

Number of Learners

3 783

Core programme attributes

Good Work Foundation’s Open Learning Academy (OLA) aims to provide wonder-filled learning activities that inspire a quest for knowledge among primary school learners in remote rural parts of South Africa.

This includes honing children’s digital literacy skills and stimulating their creativity. For many Grade 3 and 4 learners, their introduction to the Good Work Foundation’s Digital Learning Campus is their first interaction with a digital device.

We understand that when curiosity is unlocked, a passion for lifelong learning is created. We aim to inspire all learners to believe that anything is possible with the right attitude, agency and mindset.

The ultimate aim of the Open Learning Academy is to cultivate a future-fit workplace of young people who:

Are inspired to learn
Have a strong sense of agency
Can use thinking and reasoning to solve problems
Believe that anything is possible with the right mindset
Are ready to seize any opportunity

Seven streams of curriculum

Literacy
Learners’ English literacy skills are reinforced as they transition from their mother tongue to English as the medium of instruction, and are taught to read for meaning and understanding.
Numeracy
Children’s understanding of numerical concepts is enhanced while they get to grips with digital aids such as tablets and computers.
Digital Skills
Learners are shown how to use and navigate computers, tablets, apps, games and online content to enhance the learning process in a fun and interactive way.
Coding & Robotics
Learners are introduced to coding and programming language while working with robots and games, enhancing logic and reasoning.
Conservation
As future custodians of our world, children learn about the natural world and their place and responsibilities in it.
Creative Arts
The Creative Arts build confidence and develop communication skills. Children are exposed to visual and performing arts and love to learn new dances, sing, and write and perform poetry.
Citizenship
This stream aims to promote personal development and well-being, with learners practising yoga and mindfulness, and discussing culture, heritage and the custodianship of resources.

Programme Details:

Curriculum: Literacy, Numeracy, Digital Skills, Coding & Robotics, Conservation, Creative Arts, Citizenship

Programme Manager: Anorld Mdhluli

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Testimonials

“Investec is a proud supporter of the Good Work Foundation digital learning campus model. I have seen first-hand how this innovative South African team is reimagining education so that more young Africans are part of a digital future.”
— Fani Titi, CEO of Investec
“Absa is one of the long-standing donors supporting the vision and mission of the Good Work Foundation. Our support continues because of the great and sustainable impact we see them realise in the communities they work in.”
— Sazini Mojapelo, former managing executive for corporate citizenship at Absa Group
“We have been so blessed to have been founding partners of the Good Work Foundation’s story, from its 1997 dreams to its vision, creation and humble beginnings in 2012 to now.”
— Dave Varty, co-founder and owner of Londolozi Game Reserve

Open Learning Academy Manager

Anorld Mdhluli

Open Learning Academy Manager

How would you describe your personal brand?

I am an energetic, creative, and self-motivated person with the ability to teach or share with others what I know. I am a reliable person who will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

What are your goals and aspirations?

My goals as an Open Learning Manager are to create a warm, welcoming space for our rural youngsters to make them feel at home and to ensure we give access to wonder-filled learning and reignite the love for learning.

What do you consider to be your most impressive achievements?

The response from school learners – seeing their excitement when learning to code and program robots.

What's one quirky or fun fact about you?

I can quickly understand maths questions and get to the correct answer, but still fail to explain to those who don’t understand or need my help.