In 2009, SAEP collaborated with ADT Security to launch their latest Corporate Social Investment project: ADT Teach. ADT Teach is an innovative computer education programme designed to provide township learners with the IT skills necessary for the job market and tertiary studies. With a mobile computer lab outfitted with 15 laptops, the programme provides weekly classes for 180 Grade 10 learners at Sophumelela, Zisukhanyo and Intsebenziswano High Schools. The curriculum covers the learning objectives of the nationally-recognised IT certificate provided by the South African Services Skills Education Training Authority.  Many of these learners will be invited to continue with advanced ADT Teach training in Grades 11 and 12, with a new cohort of Grade 10s entering the programme each year. 

In its first year, ADT Teach gave learners who had previously never touched a computer the ability to create spreadsheets, presentations, CVs, letters and posters. A 3G router enabled them to use the internet for research and email - unprecedented in any school in which SAEP works - and each practical exercise was complemented by a discussion on its relevance to society.

Following the ADT Teach Winter School, held during the school holidays in June, 93% of ADT Teach learners were passing the course with at least the grade required to study the subject at the university level.  Given the difficulty of the curriculum and the fact that  it is being taught in English, these results are outstanding. We are proud of the ADT Teach learners for their hard work during the pilot year of this programme. We look forward to further success next year as the programme is expanded to township high schools in Johannesburg.

Special thanks to Avuyile Koli, a former participant in SAEP's high school programmes, now an advanced IT professional, who is working full time for ADT as the Senior Tutor; to Luzuko Hina (till May 2010) and then Simphiwe Dasi as Junior Tutor; and Patrick Collins, SAEP coordinator for the project.