Atlas Foundation General Manager Comments on Visit to the DigiBus Project in South Africa
International Children's Charity, The Atlas Foundation, expands its DigiBus mobile learning centre, providing underprivileged children with vital access to education
As The Atlas Foundation, the global charity for children, plans the launch of the second DigiBus in its fleet, a mobile learning centre providing underprivileged children with vital access to education, Peter Scott, the charity’s General Manager, took time from his personal holiday to see the inaugural DigiBus in action in Cape Town.
The DigiBus concept was launched to provide an alternative learning opportunity for children living in poverty and hardship, who lack access to education and resources. It is part of dedicated efforts to combat the substantial 45% school dropout rate impacting the life chances of children in South Africa.
Understanding the Value and Importance of the Atlas DigiBus Scheme
The Atlas DigiBus & Media Centre, a mobile learning centre, was introduced to transform the educational experiences of 1,300 students in Langa, a township in Cape Town that has sustained levels of deprivation owing to low-quality housing, poor sanitation, and overcrowding.
Faced with a challenge where many schools in South Africa struggle with limited resources and overcrowded classrooms, educators have observed that the transition from learning in their native language to English, which occurs after Grade 4, results in almost half of local children dropping out of education between the ages of 9 and 10.
Impacts Achieved By the Inaugural Atlas DigiBus in South Africa
The first DigiBus has been contributing toward solving this crisis, reducing the risk of there being more and more generations of children without the literacy or skills to improve their life prospects, by:
Offering lessons in core subjects like digital literacy, English, maths and STEM
Providing 37 fully equipped laptops to counteract the under-resourced schooling system
Delivering lessons in an interactive, fun and engaging way to empower children to want to learn
Outcomes have included reductions in school dropout rates and improvements in children's grasp of fundamental subjects, something Peter Scott wanted to see firsthand during his personal holiday in South Africa.
Peter says, ‘Seeing the Atlas DigiBus in person was an incredible and emotional experience, it was such an honour to see it in action. Every child deserves the chance to learn, and the DigiBus provides access to education that opens doors to a brighter future, while raising their horizons to endless possibilities.’
The Atlas Foundation Fundraiser Supporting the Launch of a New DigiBus
As with all Atlas Foundation projects, the DigiBus isn’t a programme the charity has implemented in an isolated or standalone way.
The foundation, which was founded by ex-rugby international Jason Leonard OBE, and bases its work on the values of the sport, connects with numerous overseas partners, from schools and grassroots rugby clubs to community groups and other charitable organisations.
The Atlas Foundation has initiatives in place to further support the Kings Rugby Development Academy (KRDA), a long-term Atlas partner that provides life-saving education, resources and stability for children living in Kibera, the largest urban slum in Africa, which includes access to DigiBus learning.
In the signature joined-up way Atlas works, fundraising efforts will support the KRDA Go to School Program, enabling children living in poverty to cover school fees and manage travel, while also benefiting from the resources provided by the DigiBus.
How to Support The Atlas Foundation’s Drive to Deliver a New DigiBus
Peter Scott, General Manager of The Atlas Foundation says, ‘It’s been fantastic to see what an impact the DigiBus has had. We cannot overstate how important it is to help children and their families who are living in the most challenging of circumstances, while trying to navigate tuition in a language they may not speak confidently, using tools and devices they’ve never seen or touched.
We know without doubt what difference the DigiBus makes, and why developing more educational resources is key to tackling the urgent traumas and needs that affect the youngest in these communities.
We’ll be sharing the objectives of the KRDA and their work in Kibera, Nairobi at the much-anticipated Jason Leonard's Annual Dinner 2025, a Pride of Lions-themed black-tie, VIP event supported by Rugby Royalty hosted at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.
In the meantime, we welcome supporters, contributors and advocates to visit our website to find a diverse range of ways to fundraise, donate, or spread awareness about The Atlas Foundation and our mission.’
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About The Atlas Foundation
Founded by rugby legend Jason Leonard OBE, The Atlas Foundation uses rugby as a tool to improve the lives of children in disadvantaged communities around the world. By partnering with local organisations, The Atlas Foundation provides educational, health, and social development opportunities to help children thrive.
Media Contact:
Beatrice Quinney
Marketing and Communications Officer
The Atlas Foundation
+44 (0)207 043 2232