Through its association with FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL), SAP Africa is playing a pivotal role in developing critical science and technology skills amongst South Africa’s youth.
The phenomenal development of the Asian Economic Tigers has proved that the most sustainable way through which South Africa can realise its full potential is having sufficient human capital in the field of science and technology. And one of the organisations taking a lead in this initiative is SAP Africa.
For years, SAP Africa has been sponsoring the FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®), which is an global initiative that introduces children to the fun and excitement of science and technology, stimulates their creativity in problem solving and develops their ability to work in teams. Each year the FLL® Challenge sees teams of children aged between 9 and 16 embracing a Challenge based on a set of real-world problems facing scientists and engineers of today.
Reaffirming commitment
Last year during the FLL®’s 90th anniversary. And, strategically, SAP Africa’s Chief Operating Officer, Derek Kudsee capitalised on this milestone to reaffirm its commitment and involvement by announcing his organisation’s continued sponsorship of the initiative through a financial contribution of R1, 4 million. SAP Africa has been associated with FLL® since 2004.
“SAP’s support of FLL® is far more than financial; the real lifeblood of this initiative is the people of SAP,” Kudsee told Transform SA Online in a telephone interview.
“The unwavering commitment of the SAP employees who volunteer their time and expertise as coaches, mentors and judges is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Over and above the sponsorship of 50 FLL® teams, the financial donation includes the costs for judges to travel across the country and for the top teams to compete at the National Competition at the Sci Bono Centre in Johannesburg.
Real-world solutions
Each year the FLL® Challenge sees teams of children aged between 9 and 16 embracing a Challenge based on a set of real-world problems facing scientists and engineers of today. In the 2014 FLL® World Class Challenge 265,000 children from 80 countries will re-design how we gather knowledge and skills in the 21st century. Teams will teach adults about the ways that kids need and want to learn.
Underlining the significance of the FLL®, Kudsee said:”Building technological literacy in the youth is key, learning is not only about the classroom and books, it is about truly grasping the concept of whatever subject you are learning. The FIRST® LEGO® League is an initiative that drives the practical understanding of technology and innovation from an early age, inspiring a love of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Scientists, mathematicians and innovators are a driving force behind the success of any country, and SAP Africa is at the forefront of creating the environments which encourage this.”
In 2004, FLL® in South Africa comprised of 19 teams participating in 1 tournament. It has since grown to include 164 teams, 50 of which are supported by SAP Africa, competing in 7 tournaments.
SAP Africa is the major FLL® sponsor in South Africa, and its plan for 2015 is to expand the programme into Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe through the SAP Africa network and focus countries.
The 2014 FLL® National Championship was held on the 5th and 6th December at the Sci Bono Science Centre in Newtown.
A good corporate citizen
SAP has demonstrated that it is not only a globally renowned company but is also a good corporate citizen.
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organisations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 253,500 customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.
