With a generous delivery of iPads to Frere Hospital, iSchool Africa is helping young patients stay connected to their studies, their routines, and a bright future – all right from their hospital beds!
East London, South Africa (05 October 2026) – No child should ever have to miss out on learning just because they are sick or recovering from an injury, and thanks to Frere Hospital’s Hospital School Programme, they don’t have to.
When a child has to stay in the hospital for a long time, it can be really tough to miss out on school, fall behind classmates, and be away from their normal routines. That’s where the programme comes in. By creating a bridge between the hospital bed and the classroom through digital learning, it keeps young patients connected to their education, giving them the chance to keep learning, exploring, and building new skills throughout their treatment journey.
On 2 October 2026, this wonderful initiative got a big digital boost when iSchool Africa donated iPads to the hospital’s Paediatric Oncology Unit (C3–C4). It’s a wonderful upgrade that will mean the world to even more of these brave young warriors who can’t be in the classroom right now.
Welcoming the initiative, Dr Kim Harper, the hospital’s Head of Paediatrics, highlighted the importance of maintaining education, routine and a sense of normalcy for children whose schooling is interrupted by illness. His reflections highlighted the value of supporting young patients beyond their clinical needs.
Senior Programme Manager at iSchool Africa, Noxolo Motolo, explained that the devices will support learners from foundation phase through to high school, while teachers and volunteers will receive ongoing training and educational resources.
The collaboration was also welcomed by Juliet Houghton, Eastern Cape Regional Manager at CHOC, noting that bedside learning can help reduce anxiety associated with prolonged interruptions to schooling for children and their families.
Speaking on behalf of the Frere Hospital CEO, Dr Ngazibini Mashiyi, Clinical Manager, expressed appreciation to iSchool Africa and its partners:
“We are truly appreciative of this support, and the difference it will make in helping our young patients remain connected to their education,” he said, encouraging the partners to continue extending this meaningful work to other communities.
This iPad handover showed just how much good comes from joining hands, bringing education right to these children while they receive care, and helping them remain connected to their learning and a bright future.
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