The Leva Foundation, a Gqeberha-based non-profit, receives UNICEF endorsement for its innovative block coding program, Tangible Africa, which teaches children to code without computers or Wi-Fi. The program, reaching over 350,000 learners, uses puzzle pieces and QR codes to guide a mobile game, fostering problem-solving and STEM skills.
A Gqeberha-based non-profit organisation has received backing from the United Nations Children's Fund for its coding readiness programme. The Leva Foundation is the latest entrant into the UNICEF learning academy for teaching children across the world how to code.
The Leva Foundation has reached more than 350,000 learners worldwide with its block coding innovation. The initiative, called Tangible Africa, teaches children to code without the need for computers or Wi-Fi. Learners build the code to navigate a mobile game by assembling puzzle pieces that reveal a QR codes. Once the puzzle is complete, they take a photo of it, and the mobile app interprets the code to guide the game. Leva Foundation CEO, Ryan Le Roux, explained:"Once the app is on the device, you don't need to have connectivity again. Then you put the device down and actually build out your directions using puzzle pieces.Once you've taken a photo, the phone interprets the code and executes your instructions. The game was first built for the real rural parts of South Africa that don't have computers or access to signal or WIFI.” The foundation added that the game teaches problem solving and computational skills necessary for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics careers of the fourth industrial revolution. The UNICEF endorsement places the educational tool among safe, effective programmes recommended to governments. Meanwhile, technology and learning specialist Jessica Parenzee has noted the effectiveness of the programme. "The endorsement is powerful because it signals that this model isn't experimental. It's been tested for safety, effectiveness, and scale.""Block coding teaches structured thinking, problem-solving, and persistence. When a child builds something functional, they begin to see themselves not just as users of technology but as creators. That shift in identity is incredibly powerful."Topic Timeline
Coding UNICEF Education STEM Technology
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