SchoolNet SA

Today is World Read Aloud Day 2026, and at SchoolNet SA, we are turning up the volume on literacy!

This year’s theme is “Celebrate Learning,” and we are doing exactly that. Did you know that reading aloud is not just for bedtime? It is a superpower for the brain. It builds neural pathways that boost emotional health, academic performance and creates those "aha!" moments that stay with a child forever.

Why we are making some noise today:

- We believe that connection is key, and therefore shared stories bridge the gap between us, fostering a sense of community.

- Literacy is the ultimate tool for personal growth and global impact.

- There is a special kind of magic in hearing a story come to life through someone’s voice!

At SchoolNet SA, we are all about using technology to make learning meaningful. Whether it is through digital storytelling or using ICT to bring books to remote corners of the country, we believe that every child deserves the chance to "Celebrate Learning" every single day. We don't just teach tech; we use tech to open doors to worlds of imagination.

🎬 📺 Watch our team in action! Check out the videos of our colleagues and friends reading stories as we celebrate the magic of reading aloud.

Calling all young writers and future leaders!

Do you think you have the solutions for a more resilient Africa? The 2026 SADC Essay Competition is officially open, and it’s your time to shine!

The Challenge: Unpack how we can revolutionise industrialisation, agriculture, and energy to build a stronger future for the SADC region.

Deadline: 24 April 2026

Check the original post for full entry details.

📢 Step Up and Be Heard!

The 2026 SADC Essay Competition invites young writers and future policymakers to unpack next year’s powerful theme:

“How can SADC achieve industrialisation, transform agriculture, and energy transition for a Resilient Future?”

If you’re passionate about shaping Africa’s resilient future, this is your chance to shine! ✨

⏰ Deadline: 24 April 2026

📌 Check the poster for full instructions on how to enter. 👇🏾

Hey Educators!

Ready to level up your classroom game without spending money?

Did you know that Google for Education offers a comprehensive Level 1 Certification course for FREE (limited time - try to complete by June 2026)? Whether you are a Google Pro or just getting started, this course helps you master tools like Classroom, Drive, and Docs to save time and engage your learners more effectively.

Find the course here: https://share.google/UiHKv3D4wCPrj7uL4

Don’t forget to tag us (SchoolNet SA) once you finish so we can celebrate your achievement!

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Explore Certifications for Educators - Google for Education - Google for Education Browse certifications for teachers or join a Google for Education Champion community. Earn an educational technology certification and start your journey today.

We are live!

✨ Sparking Creativity on a Shoestring Budget: Tech Tools for Big Ideas
🗓️ Date: 22 January 2026 (5pm SAST)
📍 Register here: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/digitalpromise20260122/

See You There!!

Join our very own Omashani Naidoo (SchoolNet SA) alongside Maren Vernon (Scratch) and Nick Schiner (Digital Promise) for an inspiring edWebinar:

✨ Sparking Creativity on a Shoestring Budget: Tech Tools for Big Ideas
🗓️ Date: 22 January 2026 (5pm SAST)
📍 Register here: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/digitalpromise20260122/

Learn how educators are fostering student-led projects that tackle global challenges using simple, accessible technology. Plus, find out how your school can apply for a $3,000 Sustainability Award!

SchoolNet SA

Day 3 of the Department of Basic Education Lekgotla 2026

SchoolNet SA Department of Basic Education South Africa

''AI won’t disrupt education—it may even deepen inequality unless we leverage technology with the intention to reach every learner.'' - Omashani Naidoo

Join Digital Promise, Scratch and SchoolNet SA webinar this Thursday, 22 January 2026, 5PM (SAST), to explore how to spark student creativity using accessible, low-cost tools.

Register Here: https://bit.ly/4oQFKPL

"In our work, we see the innovation paradox play out daily. On one side are schools with 3D printers, VR headsets, multiple devices per learner, and gigabit Wi-Fi. On the other are classrooms where students share scarce devices, data costs exceed the daily cost of living, and electricity is unreliable. In these contexts, AI won’t disrupt education—it may even deepen inequality unless we act with intention." - Omashani Naidoo, Executive Director of SchoolNet South Africa

Read Omashani's tips for educators to leverage emerging technology across a variety of learning environments in our latest story: https://bit.ly/3YFzfop

On Thursday, Jan. 22 you can join our webinar on edWeb.net for a deeper dive on sparking students' creativity and problem-solving skills using powerful, free, and low-cost technology: https://bit.ly/4oQFKPL

Day 2 of Lekgotla started on a high note with a Panel discussion on Collaborations to enable maximum impact in provision of quality education.

Panellists Dr Sizwe Nxasana( Future Nation), Ms Gail Campell ( Zenex), Mr Tshego Phala (Civil Society), Mr Chuene Ramphele (strategic partnerships) , Ms George Barrett (British Council)

SchoolNet SA Department of Basic Education South Africa

Big Ideas don’t need Big Budgets!!

Students’ creative use of technology is at the heart of the Ciena Solutions Challenge, but you don't need the most expensive gear to make a global impact.

Join our very own Omashani Naidoo (SchoolNet SA) alongside Maren Vernon (Scratch) and Nick Schiner (Digital Promise) for an inspiring edWebinar:

✨ Sparking Creativity on a Shoestring Budget: Tech Tools for Big Ideas
🗓️ Date: 22 January 2026 (5pm SAST)
📍 Register here: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/digitalpromise20260122/

Learn how educators are fostering student-led projects that tackle global challenges using simple, accessible technology. Plus, find out how your school can apply for a $3,000 Sustainability Award!

Last session of the day with Minister DHET Buti Manamela, focusing on Positioning Teacher Development for Quality Foundational Learning, with Panelists from ADEA, UNISA , NAPTOSA, SADTU, VVOB

SchoolNet SA Department of Basic Education South Africa

SchoolNet SA is attending the 2026 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla.

"This is a platform designed to reflect, collaborate and strengthen the foundations of a future-ready education system that leaves no one behind" - Department of Basic Education.