An innovative computer education programme aimed at young children between the ages of three and six years is making a huge difference to the computer skills, literacy and numeracy levels of thousands of children from disadvantaged communities throughout South Africa.

 

The IBM KidSmart Early Learning Programme consists of a child-friendly computer console with a colourful keyboard specifically designed for children.  The IBM computer is loaded with software designed to encourage mathematical concepts, literacy and life skills.

 

The IBM KidSmart programme was launched in October 1999 by IBM South Africa and it’s national partner the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD).

 

IBM South Africa has focused its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative on showing the way in which new technologies can make a key contribution to how young children learn.  As Alfred Mandewo, the CSR Manager for IBM South Africa, explained “We don’t want to change the kids themselves, only the way they learn.  It is not just a question of exposing children to technology as a means of bridging the digital divide. 

 

Computers and the Internet are changing the whole nature of teaching.  Through technology they can access information by themselves and, at their own pace and in a format that is more like playing than learning”.

 

There is an increased awareness that ICT makes an important contribution to the social, cognitive and emotional development of young children. However, huge disparities exist in South Africa between those children who ‘have’ and those who ‘do not have’ access and usage of ICT.  This is commonly referred to as the ‘digital divide’.  The ‘digital divide’ argument is concerned with the unequal access and usage of ICT throughout the world.  This can be seen to be compounding disadvantage since access to ICT is becoming central to being able fully participate in the economic, social, political and cultural spheres of society. 

 

Through strong partnerships between IBM, CECD and two new partners, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Eskom Development Foundation the IBM KidSmart Programme will continue to be implemented in disadvantaged communities for a further three years.  The IBM KidSmart programme is making a significant contribution towards addressing the ‘digital divide’ through early education throughout South Africa.