By Mfanufikile Khathwane (Intern)
MANZINI – Innotech International Academy, in partnership with Mirror Robotics, is set to host a hands-on robotics training program for children aged 5 to 18 years.
The six-day workshop will run from Monday to Saturday at Liqhaga House, ground floor,Manzini. Registration costs E100, with a monthly membership fee of E300.
“We’re not just teaching robotics we are building a generation of problem solvers,” said Wandile Shabangu, CEO of Innotech International Academy, ahead of their upcoming tech training workshop for young learners in Manzini.
The initiative aims to equip young minds with future-ready skills in technology and innovation for the future, where machines will be integrated with humans.
The sessions will cover robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), mobile app development, drone technology, and machine learning. Importantly, no prior coding experience is required as children will be taught from the basics in a fully practical setting.
According to Wandile Shabangu the program is designed not only to build technical skills but also to provide a safe and productive environment for learners during after-school hours and weekends. This addresses a growing concern where some students are exposed to negative influences while waiting for transport or spending idle time at home.
The academy is currently working with Sydeney Williams Primary School, Saim Christian High School, and Achievers Primary School in Matsapha. Through these partnerships, the program is already impacting learners, sparking interest in technology and problem-solving.
In addition to technical training, the sessions will promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Learners will explore how to use technology to solve real-world problems. For instance, one of the academy’s partner organisations in Rwanda have develop a water pump system that runs without fuel a powerful example of what young innovators can achieve.
Innotech International Academy plans to expand its reach by collaborating with the Ministry of Education and the ministry of ICT. Though still in early discussions, the academy has received permission to continue working with its current partner schools and is hopeful about integrating robotics into the national curriculum.
With the world moving into the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where technology and human interaction will become even more connected, initiatives like this are vital. Innotech International Academy believes in building a generation that is not just ready for the future, but one that leads it.