In a groundbreaking educational collaboration, students from Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited South Africa’s University of Pretoria (UP) Mamelodi Campus to teach local high school learners how artificial intelligence (AI) can solve real-world challenges.
The initiative, part of the Youth AI Object Recognition Programming Workshop and Learning Showcase, is designed to bridge the digital divide and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) literacy in underprivileged communities.
Dr. Martina Jordaan, Head of Community Engagement Research at UP’s Mamelodi Campus, highlighted the importance of this cross-border partnership, which took place in January 2025.
“This collaboration between PolyU’s Department of Computing and its Service-Learning and Leadership Office, along with UP’s Mamelodi Campus, provides local learners with crucial technological skills. The goal is to empower them to use AI creatively and purposefully,” she said.
Equipping Learners with AI Skills
During the four-day programme, PolyU students shared their expertise in machine learning and block programming, focusing on using AI to improve accessibility for people with visual impairments (VIPs). The young participants were encouraged to develop AI-driven solutions tailored to assist visually impaired individuals in their daily lives.
By integrating fun and interactive activities, PolyU students ensured that learning was both engaging and practical.
The hands-on approach fostered creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, encouraging local learners to think outside the box while building their prototypes.
At the end of the workshop, participants showcased their projects, competing for awards that recognised the best assistive technology solutions.
The prototypes were judged based on creativity, usability, and potential community impact. Winning projects demonstrated exceptional promise in enhancing the lives of visually impaired individuals in Mamelodi.
Five Years of Collaboration
This initiative marks the fifth consecutive year of collaboration between PolyU and UP, and the second time the workshop was conducted in person. Dr. Jordaan emphasized the positive reception from students and educators alike.
“The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly encouraging. These workshops play a vital role in making AI education accessible and inspiring young learners to pursue careers in technology,” she said.
Among the local learners who participated, Lovenees Mufiri, a Grade 11 student from Nellmapius Secondary School, said the programme introduced her to deep learning and machine learning concepts. “The PolyU students were incredibly inspiring. They made me realise the potential AI holds and motivated me to aim higher in my studies,” she shared.
Thamaga Madiga, a Grade 10 student from Hoërskool Overkruin, described the experience as “incredibly enriching,” noting that it helped him develop critical thinking skills and a broader understanding of AI applications.
For Makubu Mahlatji, a Grade 11 learner from Hoërskool Silverton, attending multiple PolyU workshops over the years has been life-changing.
“Beyond AI programming, these sessions have taught me essential skills such as collaboration, communication, and teamwork. I now understand how vital these skills are for success in any field,” she said.
Closing the Digital Divide
The impact of the workshop extends beyond technical skills. According to Dr. Jordaan, the programme plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in the Mamelodi community.
“By equipping young learners with AI knowledge and practical skills, we are preparing them for future challenges in the digital world. This initiative not only fosters technological literacy but also instills confidence and ambition among our youth,” she explained.
The partnership between PolyU and UP exemplifies the power of global educational cooperation in empowering young minds.
As AI continues to reshape industries and societies, initiatives like this ensure that underprivileged learners are not left behind but instead become active participants in the evolving world of technology.