Telecommunications giant MTN has launched a free online portal that provides a comprehensive digital curriculum for Grades R to 12, along with additional features such as video lessons, assessments and extra-tuition lessons for Grade 10 to 12 learners.

The MTN Online School aims to increase access to curriculum-aligned educational content, endorsed and provided by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in South Africa, for Grades R to 12, as well as for learners with special education needs, using a digital platform.

The new fit-for-purpose digital platform, which also includes video lessons with a sign language interpreter, was developed in partnership with the DBE and the National Education Collaboration Trust to address the current learning needs of South African students and close the gap in access to quality education among the youth.

The full content library of the integrated online educational portal, which is supported and housed on the MTN network and is zero data-rated for MTN customers, will be added to the platform and made available over a period of three years, with a focus on key subjects.

“Together with the innovation and commitment to societal change by MTN, the launch of the MTN Online School is a significant leap forward for education and ushers in positive change for communities across South Africa,” says Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.

“Digital transformation takes place within a huge information and communication technology (ICT) ecosystem and for that ecosystem to flourish, we need young people to be able to access quality teaching and learning essential to play their part in changing the world,” says MTN South Africa CEO Godfrey Motsa, noting that the Covid-19 pandemic revealed the urgent need in South Africa for accessible and approved online curricula.

“We believe in the future of South Africa and the education of the future generation, which needs to accelerate its recovery from the economic and personal devastation of Covid-19 to embrace future opportunities made available through quality education and learning.”

The initiative aligns with MTN’s overarching Ambition 2025 strategy to become Africa’s leading provider of digital solutions by contributing towards society through ICT advancing digital education, skills and jobs.

The new platform aims to provide online tools to support teachers in adding value to their lessons, in teaching digital skills and reaching those learners who need additional support.

MTN Online School portal will also focus on financial skills, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, as well as career guidance content, with a focus on key careers where there are skills shortages in South Africa.

The portal includes an introduction to the early childhood development curriculum and African storytelling, with over 2 000 stories, to equip children with good reading skills and improve confidence, enabling them to learn and read independently.

Additional features for the FET phase (Grade 10 to 12) include support for learners after school, on weekends and during school holidays, as well as dedicated lessons leading up to exams.

It also includes a timetable to drive transparency and structure; however, learners can work at their own pace as lessons will be available on-demand.

An online tutoring service will be provided for learners through a help function interface and there will be pre-assessments to test existing knowledge.

The platform boasts pre-recorded lessons to watch; tutoring sessions; feedback questions to work through; and live sessions presented by a teacher. It also provides a recap of key concepts; a focus on weak areas identified by assessments; post assessments; and learner analysis reports.

Learners can also request help at any time, or submit questions through the platform or a WhatsApp chat line.