Urglobal Mentoring Network (NPC)

Our innovation brings access and skills training to rural schools and communities by a way of a mobile rural technology park (MRTP). We are trying to undo apartheid place-making trajectories and the associated spatial, social and economic consequences of these. Rural schools continue to lag behind in ICT development despite the numerous government and public/private sector initiatives to increase access and use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in education. According to an article published by parliament, a mere 945 schools out of a total of 5 421 schools in the Eastern Cape Province have related to Information and Communication Technology (ICT). That means only 17% of learners, teachers, and principals have access to ICT at school. The mobility of the innovation allows for access to technology skills ensuring societal inclusion in the changing world regardless of location. The closest Universities are located more than 3 hours from our District, to access higher education we are forced to relocate closer to the city. Access to technology and being equipped with skills will open online opportunities for students and community members. Urglobal recognizes that ICT can be used to bridge the gap between rural and urban schools in South Africa.

Growing up in a rural community you experience hardships faced by community members, brilliant students grow up and go nowhere because of a lack of access to resources. My community has contributed immensely in getting me educated, I come from a place where people don’t have much but hold on to the philosophy of UBUNTU, the spirit that says “I am because we are”, the belief that we are a collective. After resigning in December 2016, leaving Johannesburg and moving back to rural communities I received a shares payout, this was the initial investment into the initiative. In the last four years I have been working full time on the initiative dependent on competition funding and sponsors. I truly believe this grant wont only provide access but will contribute in the transformation of rural schools and communities in the Eastern Cape and in creating a model that can be scaled in South African rural schools and the African continent as a whole. Technology is constantly changing, mobility in diving training doesn't only provide access and inclusion it allows for everyone to be kept abreast in the constant changing sector without the infrastructure costs. Mobility is both inclusive and cost effective. 

Urglobal recognizes that ICT can be used to bridge the gap between rural and urban schools in South Africa by addressing ICT skills gaps of teachers and Learners. The MRTP together with the fixed park initiative provide access for rural schools to join the digital movement, by offering a 4.0 digital lifeline in the form of a Park Model. The idea of a “Mobile” Rural Technology Park concept was conceived together with three rural communities identifying the challenge of ICT infrastructure and lack of ICT access and skills training platforms. This model was developed to increase access, inclusion and reach to all rural schools and negate the infrastructure and distance challenge. The mobile version of this model was to prepare for the fixed park by providing basic computer skills to teachers, Learners and community creating a culture of ICT use in rural communities. Partnering with DUT in creating a conceptual framework that can influence policy promotes long-term systematic change. Urglobal hopes to unearth potential of rural based learners to become globally competitive citizens, through provision of comprehensive friendly ICT innovations which can enable them to learn, imagine infinitely, make informed career choices, live healthy lifestyles and contribute to common good.

The innovation brings access to ICT skills training for rural schools and communities by a way of a “Mobile” rural technology park and a Fixed park. Majority of students from rural communities relocate to university with no access to computers. The closest university is more than 235 km 3h31m away from rural communities in our location. The world is advancing rapidly; technology skills have become as important as breathing. Majority of opportunities are accessed through online platforms. The world is talking skills required for the 4th industrial revolution. Universities expect students to apply online, corona virus has also exacerbated the need for online learning but this is a huge challenge in rural communities because of no access to such platforms. If we do not try to bring technology skills closer to rural community shorten the distance, the inequality gap will only escalate further. Access to opportunities must be for everyone.

The innovation brings access and skills training to rural schools and communities by a way of a mobile rural technology park(MRTP). We are trying to undo apartheid place-making trajectories and the associated spatial, social and economic consequences of these. Rural communities are currently lagging behind in accessing equal opportunities because of their location and lack of access to required resources. The MRTP provides functional exposure to technologies that meet local educational, economic and social contextual needs. The mobility of the innovation allows for access to technology skills ensuring societal inclusion in the changing world regardless of location. The closest Universities are located more than three hours from our District Alfred Nzo, to access higher education we are forced to relocate closer to the city. Access to technology and being equipped with the skills will open opportunities for students and community members to explore more opportunities online. With Corona virus pandemic society has been pushed to become digitally literate by default, this has escalated the urban rural divide and exacerbated societal exclusion for those in rural schools and communities who do not have access and don’t possess the technology skills required. Poverty and inequality have become multidimensional not just economic.