Sasol Foundation offers free online primary and high school textbooks and resources during lockdown

Sasol Foundation offers free online primary and secondary

The Sasol Foundation has opened its online education resources and textbooks platform to all learners and parents free of charge as South Africa embarks on a 21-day National Lockdown in response to the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Called Siyavula, this online education platform is usually a pay subscription service but has been made available to all South Africans free of charge during this period as part of the Foundation’s commitment in partnership with Siyavula to enable access to quality education. In addition to accessing the material for free, learners and parents on the MTN and Vodacom networks will also not incur any data costs when downloading the material.

Available on this comprehensive platform are the following textbooks:

  • Grade 7-12 Mathematics
  • Grade 10 Maths Literacy
  • Grade 4-12 Physical Sciences
  • Grade 10 Life Sciences
  • Grade 10-12 Information Technology (IT)
  • Grade 10-12 Computer Application Technology (CAT)

Upon signing up, learners and educators can also access Grade 11-12 Mathematics and Physical Science practice sheets and examination preparation papers.

For those in the lower grades, specifically grades 4-7, there’s Thunderbolt Kids, which is an interactive online site featuring a cast of fun fictional characters that make learning fun. These focus on various topics in Natural Sciences and Technology. For the learners in Grades 7-9, there’s MST Workbooks, which takes them through their paces in Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology.

In addition to this initiative, the Sasol Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Africa Teen Geeks, will launch free digital science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) “Lockdown School”, which provides online classes on STEM subjects.  

From 30 March 2020, learners choose topics of interest to access one-hour lessons, while educators share additional links to online resources that learners can easily follow to help them beyond the interactive sessions. Using the artificial intelligence platform MsZora, an Africa Teen Geeks product, virtual classes will run every day from 8am to 5pm.

To register for these lockdown online classes, learners and teachers are encouraged to visit the following websites:

The live virtual classroom will be at no cost to learners and will cover Grades R – 12 (Grade 12 for the first week). Sessions will be recorded and uploaded on any of the three websites allowing learners to be able to re-watch them.

“These easy-to-use platforms are uncluttered, and not interrupted by ads or other pop-up content that might be inappropriate,” said Anacletta Koloko, Programme Practitioner at the Sasol Foundation. “This ensures simple, free-flowing navigation and quick feedback to aid learners to stay captivated and focused.”

She added: “Parents will be able to easily keep track of their children’s progress and develop their own tailored programmes for each child’s developmental stage, so they are ready to fit right back into the school year when classes resume.”

Koloko says digital learning and free online textbooks form an integral part of our existing, multi-dimensional interventions to contribute to the upliftment of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in South Africa. During this time of crisis, these resources are becoming even more relevant in ensuring that our children’s development continues to be supported.

TOP 5 SHOWS TO WATCH ON NETFLIX WHILE IN QUARANTINE

Top 5 Shows to watch on Netflix

With everything else that’s going on in the world, one can’t help but try be creative in the comfort of their own home. Whether you’re working from home or you’re on school holidays for the next four weeks, I’m sure you’ve exhausted your options in terms of what to do at home.

There are only so much social media interactions we can also commit to, so why not Netflix and chill out. I recommend the following top five Netflix shows that you should catch up on while on quarantine.

1. Queen Sono

Queen Sono – A first for Africa, Queen Sono is the first ever Netflix Original series created in South Africa which features the beautiful Pearl Thusi, Loyiso Madinga, Vuyo Dabula and many more. The action-packed series unpacks the story of South African spy Queen Sono finds herself in a nefarious web of business and politics as she seeks to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death.

2. Big Mouth

Big Mouth – An animated series that details the journey of adolescent teenage friends who find their lives upended by the wonders and horrors of puberty. Very appropriate for teenagers and adults, the series is an edgy comedy that will have you laughing through it’s relatable content.

3. Black Mirror

Black Mirror – This sci-fi anthology series explores a twisted, high-tech near-future where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide. The award-winning series features a list of actors such as Jesse Plemons, Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson.

4. Sex Education

Set in the UK, Sex Education is a series that’s similar to Big Mouth which tells the story of an insecure teenager who explores the topic of sex through his mother who is a sex therapist. He uses this knowledge to teach the children at his school all there is to know about sex. Throughout his teachings, he realises that there’s a whole lot that he doesn’t know about and is still yet to learn.

5. You

A creepy and thrilling series documents a bookstore manager who is insanely obsessed with a female writer and goes to the extent of doing just about anything to be with her – including harming those around her.

For more on these shows, visit www.netflix.com .

Nando’s Coronavirus Post: Pat or Slap?

Nando's coronavirus post

Nando’s added some spice into the coronavirus conversation. Yesterday, the brand shared a post on social media that had many of its followers in stitches and applauding the brand’s social media team for being so witty and that whoever came up with the idea must get a raise.

On the other hand, some people found the post distasteful saying this is not the time to be dissing the competition. They further said that Nando’s is being insensitive towards the coronavirus outbreak.

Here’s my take, Nando’s has never been a “serious brand” and this is the only way we know them – SPICY. South Africans in their nature like making fun of anything no matter how serious the situation might be. Shade aside, I found the post to be quite educational as well. The caption “the power is in your hands, wash them”, is consistent with the message that the South African Department of Health and the World Health Organisation has been sharing. Washing your hands is key to preventing the spreading and contracting the coronavirus.

As for “Turns out finger licking isn’t good. Rather reach for the soap”. Not only does Nando’s take a swipe KFC but it also calls for a change in consumer behaviour. They are again encouraging people to wash their hands.

From me, the post gets a definite Pat. It is punchy, concise and the message is clear. What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.