First-generation learners are learners from a households where guardians did not attend or finish their school education. In general, the social, physical and neurodevelopment of these learners does not meet the basic requirements of education systems and affects the child’s level of learning. These learners have limited exposure to community and sports events, where they can experience, recognition, success, and motivation. Elements they will need to complete their education career.
To this end, EduInnov8 Foundation started our involvement with schools and learners by training and equipping teachers to address visible neurodevelopmental deficits in the ECD and Foundation phase, in collaboration with the Out of the Blocks program.
We collaborate on research to develop the pedagogical model around the effective use of technology in the education of first-generation learners.
We are involved in community school cycling development and host events at schools to create opportunities for communities to experience an activity that was previously deemed out of reach. These events involve the community and schools to strengthen the local social development. Linking these events to a national league provides a progression path for achievement, recognition, and participation.
The association with cycling embodies elements of inspiration, aspiration, opportunity and symbolises the mobilisation of “Generation 1”
Our association with cycling as an activity is based on the well documented benefits of cycling for individuals, families, communities, industry, and the environment. In most communities, cycling represents an opportunity which they do not have access to, presenting aspirational values which we want learners to associate with education.
Our cycling project is iconic in terms of the opportunity, achievement, community involvement, and excitement we wish to mobilise in communities. The model we are following will make schools the pillar for these events.
In partnership with Cycle2Ride (C2R), Eduinnov8 Foundation has been involved in projects over the past 12 months at grassroots level.
The Out of the Blocks program provides teacher training and a full curriculum including assessment matrix related to the use of movement to promote neurodevelopment.
The program was developed in partnership with STADIO Higher Education – School of Education, where teachers are trained and qualified.
In this program, teachers are trained in the pedagogy around the use of structured and progressive movement development maps for the learners. The program provides teacher support with a digital content library consisting of video and animation content on activities as well as all the planning and assessment documentation required.
Further support is provided via a mobile application where pre-prepared lessons are available to the teacher on their mobile device.
To date, areas where the program has been deployed include:
Corporate Funding partners are welcome to support the skills development initiative which provides the foundation for all learning initiatives to follow in a learner’s academic career.
EduInnov8 Foundation has been presented with a unique opportunity to sponsor a Professional top 10 Epic Cycling team - Jaco Venter (RSA) and Sascha Weber (Germany). Read more
Family orientated cycling events at schools, has the ability to improve family cohesion as well as social development in a community. We use these opportunities to inspire learners who would not have access to cycling as an activity or as a sport.
Cycling as an activity and sport has been a dream for many children, while not having access to equipment or being able to participate.
Cycle2Ride, supported by EduInnov8 Foundation, started a pilot cycling activation project in the Bottelary Hills area in the Western Cape. The children who benefit from this project are in local schools and residents on the local farms. Access to physical activities are limited and access to cycling even more so.
In collaboration with other charities and foundations, the schools are equipped with bicycles and once a week, the learners are coached by a professional cyclist and coach. These learners have the opportunity to participate in local cycling competitions hosted by EduInnov8 Foundation and Cycle2Ride. The top performing riders have the opportunity to represent their region in the SA Schools Mountain biking competition.
The riders are equipped with mountain bikes and riding apparel to compete. The regional team also receives further coaching to equip them for competition.
This is a collaborative effort between 5 institutions involved in community upliftment.
Our next step is to launch a national short track league, hosted at schools for local communities and attract sponsorship for bicycles to be maintained and stored at the schools. The short track league will provide access to cycling for learners who have a good school attendance record as well as positive and improving academic results.
