Samsung has recently concluded the second phase of its Solve for Tomorrow Competition in South Africa. The competition, which aims to empower youth and foster skills in the information communication technology sector, held Design Thinking workshops for the ten finalist schools situated in five provinces: Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
The workshops were designed to encourage learners to embrace the mindset and methodology of designers. By immersing themselves in the process of creative problem-solving, the students were able to develop strong teams and gain valuable research insights. These insights will help transform their conceptual ideas into tangible solutions that address concerns within their respective communities. Launched earlier this year, the competition is now in its second phase, during which teachers, learners, and mentors will research and develop their prototypes in preparation for the finale.
During the workshops, learners were guided through a cognitive and structured process for human-centered, creative problem-solving. They were encouraged to foster creative and critical thinking skills, enhance collaboration and communication abilities through project-based learning, and practice key activities of the Design Thinking process. These activities included preparing for interviews, identifying a point of view, brainstorming, and creating paper prototypes. By engaging in hands-on experiences, the students acquired the necessary skills to apply towards their creative solutions.
Hlubi Shivanda, Director of Business Operations and Innovation and Corporate Affairs at Samsung, expressed the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and skills creation in the information communication technology sector. Shivanda emphasized that the Solve for Tomorrow Competition plays a meaningful role in preparing the country for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The competition not only increases interest and proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) but also provides grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved communities with an opportunity to gain invaluable skills while addressing their communities’ challenges.
The top ten schools in the competition include Mbilwi Secondary School and Moyaneng Secondary School in Limpopo, Phendukani High School, Adams College, and Umlazi Comprehensive Tech in KwaZulu-Natal, Rebatlathuto High School and Lekgarietsi High School in the Free State, Maphuthaditshaba Secondary School in Mpumalanga, and Phomolong Secondary School and Buhle Bemfundo Secondary School in Gauteng.
These finalists will have until the end of September 2023 to work on and complete their prototypes. Subsequently, they will present their projects to a panel of judges at the beginning of October, competing for the top prize. The winning school will be awarded R100,000 worth of STEM equipment, while the second and third positions will receive R50,000 and R30,000 worth of STEM equipment for their respective schools. In addition to these main prizes, each member of the top three teams will be rewarded with a Samsung device.
Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow Competition serves as a platform for young innovators to showcase their skills and contribute to their communities. By nurturing their creativity and problem-solving abilities, Samsung is equipping South African learners with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
