KILT e-Learning: Driving digital innovation and resilience in Knysna’s classrooms

There is a unique kind of magic that happens when you hand a child a LEGO brick. But when our KILT e-Learning programme couples that brick with a builder’s mindset, microchips, motors, and code, our learners move way beyond the realm of play and into life-changing learning and innovation.

KILT recently brought together learners from Percy Mdala High School, Concordia High School, Rheenendal, and Knysna Secondary School for an electric, inter-KILT LEGO Robotics and Coding Competition. For these students, the event – spearheaded by KILT’s LEGO Robotics and Coding Programme – is a launchpad, and going head-to-head in a thrilling showcase of engineering, design and sharp problem-solving is just what they need before moving on to represent their schools at the World Robot Olympiad of South Africa (WROSA).

Lessons from the lab: In their own words

Watch these inspiring innovators, Given Collins-Alie, Sanelisiwe Nalo, and Lwazelihle Nicola as they share their robotics journey and the lessons learned along the way.

With what feels like wisdom beyond their years, they reflect on how LEGO Robotics has taught them not to fear making mistakes, asking questions, or rebooting a retired robot. They’ve learnt to navigate teamwork, disputes and disagreements, and how to balance schoolwork with club commitments. They’ve also learnt how to cope with failures when the robot goes “haywire” during testing – all of which has built patience, calm, and determination.

Through these trials, the learners also highlighted what they walked away with:

1. Stronger coding skills and better problem-solving capabilities.
2. Improved teamwork and healthier attitudes toward failure.
3. A genuine interest in robotics and increased creativity using gears and sensors.
4. An understanding that different viewpoints are valid and multiple solutions can work.
5. Unforgettable experiences like traveling to the Cape Town competition, seeing the University of the Western Cape, and going through the Huguenot Tunnel.

Mentorship and what it means to win

This growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. A massive highlight of the journey is the mentorship culture taking root within the schools. The older learners took time to coach the younger children, passing down a powerful message of perseverance. They reminded the younger learners that failure is simply a necessary step toward growth and success.

That mentorship paid off in deeply emotional ways on competition day. After the winners were announced, one young participant stepped forward, overwhelmed, saying, “I have never won anything in my life before.”

It was a beautiful reminder that these spaces are about far more than trophies. They are about giving a young person the undeniable proof that they are already capable and have achieved great things. By the end of the event, nine brilliant participants from Percy Mdala High and Concordia High secured their spots for the WROSA Provincials, which will be held in August. While Knysna Secondary School didn’t qualify this time, their learners walked away with immense growth and resilience.

Empowering the future: The KILT Digital Drive

To sustain this momentum and bring these world-class digital tools to more learners across Knysna, KILT is hosting its annual Digital Drive.

This initiative is the vehicle that keeps the programme moving forward – highlighting the brilliant work being done through the e-Learning programme while expanding tech access, upgrading essential equipment, and ensuring that local youth remain at the forefront of digital literacy. By participating in the Digital Drive, community members and partners can directly support the expansion of this revolving tech hub, ensuring that the next generation of innovators has the tools to code, create, and possibly run the world.

Take action for the KILT Digital Drive

We invite your business, school, or household to join the 2026 Digital Drive by donating working, pre-loved devices that are being replaced or upgraded. For your peace of mind, all donated technology should be wiped for security purposes.

Logistics and collections

• Local Donors: KILT can facilitate device collections within the greater Knysna region.
• National Donors: If you are located outside of Knysna, we kindly ask that you cover the cost of delivery to our hub.

Event details: Drop-off at Knysna Mall

Join us for our community collection day! We are making it easy to drop off your tech and meet the team.

• Venue: Knysna Mall (Outside Woolworths)
• Date: 29th May
• Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Items to Bring: Towers, Laptops, tablets, smartphones, accessories and any other pre-loved tech.

Please contact Robyn at robyns@kilt.org.za for more information or to arrange a donation.