The University of Pretoria (UP) recently hosted students from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to teach local high school learners how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create solutions to real-world problems.

This is the fifth successful workshop conducted by the university in partnership with PolyU, which has been running since 2021.

The four-day programme held at UP’s Mamelodi Campus aimed to shine a spotlight on the digital divide while promoting STEM education, which has become crucial in a technology-driven world.

With 107 local learners having attended the workshop, PolyU students taught them about machine learning and block programming, with a focus on using AI to enhance accessibility for people with visual impairments.

PolyU students and South African learners further engaged in fun and stimulating activities, where they were able to be creative and think outside the box when they worked on their prototypes.

A Grade 11 pupil from Hoërskool Silverton, Makubu Mahlatji, reflected on her experience at the workshop.

“The AI object recognition programme equipped me with essential life skills such as effective collaboration, communication, and teamwork, which I had not previously recognised as important,” she said.

Another Grade 11 learner from Nellmapius Secondary School, Lovenees Mufiri, said: “I gained knowledge about deep learning and machine learning, and the PolyU students inspired me to strive for greater academic success.”

Grade 10 learner from Hoërskool Overkruin Thamaga Madiga described the workshop as “incredibly enriching”.

The workshop also helped him acquire critical thinking skills, enabling him to expand his knowledge base.

Moreover, the students formed teams and competed for awards by showcasing their innovative projects.

These awards recognised their collaborative efforts in designing the most appealing and functional assistive technologies.

The projects were evaluated based on their creativity, usability, and potential impact, with the best solutions honoured for their exceptional promise to improve the daily lives of visually impaired persons within the community.

Head of Community Engagement Research at Mamelodi Campus Dr Martina Jordaan highlighted that the workshop would shape SA learners’ technology skills in order to thrive in a world driven by advanced technology.

“This emphasis on practical skills enhances technological understanding and prepares participants for future challenges in their academic and professional lives.

“The workshop significantly contributed to bridging the digital divide in the Mamelodi community, while empowering young learners to become active participants in the evolving world of technology,” said Jordaan.

The Star

hope.mafu@inl.co.za