Samsung is hosting Design Thinking Workshops to assist the 20 finalist schools in the Solve For Tomorrow 2024 Competition in preparing for the crucial next phase of prototype development. The workshops are being conducted at central venues in the provinces where the finalist schools are based: Gauteng (8 finalists), Limpopo (3), Free State (4), KwaZulu-Natal (3), Eastern Cape (1), and Mpumalanga (1). These workshops aim to equip the learners with essential skills and insights necessary to transform their innovative ideas into tangible solutions as they address critical issues within their communities.
Think, speak and act
Problem solving lessons
The workshops are designed to foster a mindset of innovation and problem-solving by encouraging participants to think, speak, and act like designers. Through interactive sessions, learners will learn the cognitive and structured process of human-centered design, enhancing their abilities in creative and critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
4IR and STEM
The Solve For Tomorrow competition is Samsung’s contribution to youth empowerment and skills development, aiming to help the country play a meaningful role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). It also aims to increase interest and proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), while providing participating grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved communities with an opportunity to gain invaluable skills as they address some of their communities’ challenges.
Our environment
The theme for this year’s competition, ‘Our Environment’, aligns with Samsung’s overall approach to business and commitment to prioritizing environmental sustainability. Crucially, it also aligns with most of the projects that the learners will undertake in the competition, ranging from recycling and water purification to devising ways to conserve limited resources such as electricity and water.
Prototypes
Key activities of the Design Thinking process include preparing for interviews, identifying a point of view, brainstorming, and creating paper prototypes. Participants engage in hands-on activities to gain firsthand experience and develop the necessary skills to drive their creative solutions forward.
Nurturing next generation
Manager for BBBEE and Transformation at Samsung South Africa, Lenhle Khoza says “We are thrilled to continue uplifting the country’s youth through the Samsung Solve For Tomorrow Competition. This initiative represents our commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers and these Design Thinking Workshops are a big part of that process. By empowering learners with practical skills and tools, we aim to bring positive change within their lives and communities.”
The Samsung Solve For Tomorrow Competition officially launched in South Africa last year, generating significant interest and participation from schools nationwide. Following the Design Thinking Workshops, the learners will, under the guidance of their teachers and mentors, embark on the next phase of research and prototype development in preparation for the competition’s finale. At the final stage, scheduled for October this year, the teams will present their prototypes to a panel of esteemed judges.
Committed to innovation
Samsung remains dedicated to supporting educational initiatives that drive innovation and address societal challenges. Through initiatives like the Samsung Solve For Tomorrow Competition and other similar programs, the company continues to empower young minds and inspire positive change across South Africa.The post Samsung’s Design Thinking Workshops- Solve for Tomorrow 2024 first appeared on IT News Africa | Business Technology, Telecoms and Startup News.