Tech Meets Care: CHOC and Core Unite to Launch iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme in Four Gauteng Hospital Schools

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (CHOC) and Core Group, the leading distributor of Apple, DJI and Nintendo in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, have partnered to introduce the iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme to four hospital schools in Gauteng, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital School situated inside the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

This initiative supports paediatric oncology patients by ensuring their education continues despite the challenges posed by cancer treatment and prolonged hospital stays.

The programme brings iPads loaded with engaging content directly to children and teenagers undergoing cancer treatment. The goals include reducing anxiety, minimising learning loss, and assisting with various therapies. Comprehensive training is provided to hospital schoolteachers and CHOC volunteers to integrate the technology effectively into the children’s and teenagers’ routines and educational plans.

Core has contributed iPads equipped with built-in accessibility features and a wide selection of age-appropriate curriculum and entertainment apps. “We are thrilled to partner with CHOC to support the needs and rights of young learners,” said Dian De La Port, CEO of Core.

The Impact of the Programme: Xichavo Mhangani’s Story:

Xichavo Mhangani, shared his journey with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Despite the challenges of his diagnosis and treatment, Xichavo has shown remarkable resilience. He balances his responsibilities as the head of a child-headed household, caring for his younger siblings, while pursuing his academic goals.

During his treatment, Xichavo found solace and support at the CHOC house in Diepkloof. The staff and other children became like a family to him, helping him come to terms with his diagnosis.

Xichavo’s story highlights the potential impact of the iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme. Despite the toll of his treatments, Xichavo is working hard to excel in his studies and dreams of becoming a chartered accountant. Access to the iSchoolAfrica programme could have provided him with additional educational support, potentially improving his academic performance during this challenging time.

“Gold September is an internationally recognised month dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer. The iconic gold ribbon symbolises the incredible strength, courage, and resilience of children and teenagers impacted by this disease. It is essential to unite to amplify early detection, treatment, and support for affected families in alignment with the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). The GICC aims to elevate the global overall survival rate to 60% by 2030 and to ensure that children and adolescents can lead a life free from pain and suffering, even in the face of such a challenging illness,” said Prof. Gita Naidu, Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

This partnership embodies a shared commitment to improving the quality of life and educational opportunities for children battling cancer.

“For CHOC, this collaboration and initiative is a dream come true. It is exciting to be able to have the launch of this programme during September, which is known internationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, we stand together to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children and teenagers with cancer, survivors and their families. Our voices are stronger when we unite, and together we can make a difference,” said Hedley Lewis, CEO at CHOC.

For more information about the iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme, please contact:

Dian De La Port – CEO of Core – dian.delaport@core.co.za, Hedley Lewis – CEO of CHOC – hedley.lewis@choc.org.za or Michelle Lissoos – Director of iSchoolAfrica – michelle.lissoos@ischoolafrica.com.