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Unisa inspires young minds through robotics outreach

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Exhibitors and teachers at the robotics outreach event

Unisa, through its Science Engagement Centre, once again demonstrated its commitment to community development and innovation by hosting its annual Robotics Classroom Outreach Programme. The outreach took place on 12 August 2025 at the Unisa Sunnyside Campus, and on 15 August 2025 in Ekurhuleni, attracting enthusiastic participation from local schools.

The programme, themed "EV3 classroom robotics", is designed to equip school learners with essential skills in robotics and technology. This year, learners from SK Moseneke Primary School (Grades 6 and 7) and Usizolwethu LSEN School (Grade 5), who follow the DCAPS curriculum, engaged with robotics in a hands-on, interactive environment.

The outreach forms part of Unisa’s broader community engagement and educational development mandate. By exposing learners to robotics and programming early, the initiative aims to spark their curiosity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, while also equipping them with practical problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Learners showed great excitement as they successfully built and programmed their robots, which functioned smoothly, showcasing the learners’ ability to apply newly acquired knowledge in real time. Beyond the technical aspect, the programme encouraged collaboration, resilience and creativity - skills that are vital in the 21st century.

According to organiser Mosima Tefo, the initiative reflects Unisa’s mission of giving back to communities and preparing young people for the realities of a rapidly changing world. "This is Unisa’s way of giving back to the community by upskilling schoolchildren with robotics practicals. Since technology is taking over in this revolution, it is important to expose learners early," she explains.

The outreach also highlights Unisa’s role as a higher education institution and a partner in societal development, working to bridge the gap between academia, technology and the communities it serves.


An ongoing legacy

The Robotics Classroom Outreach is an annual programme that continues to grow in impact. Year after year, it provides learners from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to engage in STEM learning in ways that are interactive, inspiring and transformative. For many learners, it represents their first exposure to robotics, a step that could shape future career paths in science and technology.

Through initiatives like this, Unisa strengthens its reputation as a leader in innovative community engagement while nurturing the next generation of problem solvers, innovators and change-makers.

* Submitted by Nontobeko Primrose Qumbisa, Communication and Marketing Intern, Gauteng Region

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Publish date: 2025-11-13 00:00:00.0

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