Kids Haven Village in Mackenzie Park launched a new era in digital education on December 3.

Sponsored by Timken South Africa and installed by Breadline Africa, the fully functional and interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classroom is a space where children of all ages can explore digital learning, including robotics, computers and technology-based problem-solving.

“Its purpose is simple yet powerful – to spark curiosity, ignite a love for learning, and open doors to future opportunities in science, technology and computing,” said fundraising coordinator Susan Daly.

Speaking at the ribbon-cutting, Sam Mokgopha, CEO of Kids Haven, said this child welfare organisation was committed to ensuring that no child is left out of the digital revolution.

“One of our board member’s stories inspired us to establish this room. Growing up in rural Zeerust, Treasure Meko only had access to a computer during her first year of university. She has since earned a doctorate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR),” he said.

Thanking Timken’s general manager, Shaun Potgieter, Mokgopha said the classroom will not only serve children living at Kids Haven but will extend to children and young people from the surrounding community through the Teen and Youth Hub programmes.

“Learning robotics is the next step in building digital literacy and confidence. To ensure the sustainability of this project, Milton, a former Kids Haven resident who matriculated here and earned a diploma in IT, will facilitate the classes,” he said.

“He will ensure that children aged eight to 18 receive structured classroom training, helping them build essential skills for the future.”

“We are excited about what the children will learn here and the dreams of future possibilities that will grow.”

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