Athlone learners gain digital skills through TechWays and SAPS youth desk partnership

More than 300 Grade 8 and 9 learners at Ned Doman High School in Athlone are benefitting from the collaboration between the Youth Desk of the Athlone Police Station and the TechWays programme to become computer literate.

“For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Sgt Zita Norman, spokesperson of the Athlone Police Station and their Youth Desk to implement the TechWays programme after the school was selected to work with TechWays,” says Claire Youngman of TechWays.

Working alongside Norman and her team the learners were introduced to foundational digital skills – from Microsoft Word and Excel to Python coding and web development.

“TechWays, supported by partners like Ozow, ensures the programme is fully funded and equips our students with practical tools beyond the classroom. We are deeply grateful to Norman and the Youth Desk, without their driving force, mentorship, and coordination, this programme wouldn’t have achieved the scale or impact it has. Together, we’re not just educating; we’re opening doors to global opportunities, raising aspirations, and transforming futures,” she says.

Techways is helping build a new pipeline of skilled young South Africans ready to thrive in the digital economy by sparking interest in emerging tech fields and making them accessible inside the classroom.

TechWays was founded by Joanne Brink, a chartered accountant and MBA, who left the finance world and dedicate her life to create opportunities for young people.

“I chose Ned Doman as most of our Junior Commissioners attends that school and they were the learners that responded to the call to serve.

Brink said the principal, Gwynne Philander, has also been supportive of the programme. “The strategy aims to empower and support the youth to be self-sufficient and become involved in crime fighting initiatives eg, crime prevention through Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation. TechWays also empowers disabled youth, help with youth leadership and development, as well as participation in the economy,” she says.