With the support of the LEGO Foundation and UBS Optimus Foundation, Hands On Technologies initiated a project to improve the quality of education in 25 schools within Atteridgeville, South Africa. Commencing in 2009, HoT implemented the project in five schools, with the aim of increasing the number of schools in increments of five each consecutive year, to reach a total of 25 schools by 2013.

Outline of the Project

Research has shown that learning is more effective when learners are actively involved in the learning process. Learners learn best when they construct something that they find personally meaningful. Herein lies the basis of the project.

The project was conducted in Primary Schools - Grade R to 7 - with 5 schools per year being added to the program:

    Schools were provided with a full range of LEGO Educational kits & support material     Teachers received initial & on-going training plus teacher guides & activity packs     Learners (Grade 4 to 7) received workbooks

The curricular material and training was designed with the understanding that learners cannot simply be given knowledge; they must actively build their own theories and marry new information to their existing views. It is also based on the belief that children learn best through creative or constructive play.

Watch The Crazy Divas WRO Team, from Bathokwa Primary, compete at the World Robot Olympiad in Malaysia, 2012