South African education initiative, iSchoolAfrica Education Trust, was awarded for a groundbreaking initiative involving disability inclusion!
Global (11 March 2025) — South African EduTech and education initiative the iSchoolAfrica Education Trust has been awarded for breaking barriers and paving the way toward a more accessible world for disabled communities.
At the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria, the UN CRDP-affiliated ‘Zero Project’ awarded iSchoolAfrica as one of 77 groundbreaking and innovative disability inclusion solutions! This, after a whopping 522 nominations were screened!
The UN CRDP (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) is a global, research-driven initiative aiming to build a world with zero barriers to people with disabilities.
iSchoolAfrica took the award for its Deaf Developers Programme, which trained eight youths to become iOS app developers! The programme also included the introduction of various coding terms into South African Sign Language and helped the developers get employed through iSchool Africa’s corporate partners.
iSchoolAfrica has been hard at work to level playing fields in education since 2009, providing over 100,000 South African learners (many from the most under-resourced parts of the country) from Early Childhood Development levels all the way to matric. They provide world-class tech and education support to nurture learners who and create opportunities South Africa so desperately needs.
The award was warmly received by Michelle Lissoss, iSchool Africa’s Director, who was joined by the South African Ambassador to Austria, Sydney Molekane.
Being recognised as a Zero Project Awardee is no small feat, and one that the team accepted as a huge honour.
“Being here among so many changemakers from every corner of the world, with one mission to create a world with zero barriers – is truly an honour. A big shout out to the iSchoolAfrica team and our talented Deaf developers,” Michelle shared.
“With the award, also comes huge responsibility,” she added. “We, as iSchoolAfrica , need to continue working towards a world with zero barriers for people with disabilities, and harnessing the tools available to achieve this.”
Zero Project awardees were praised by the CEO of the Zero Project, Michael Fembek, for leading the way toward a world with more opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“Their work is not just technological advancement; it is about building an inclusive future where technology works for everyone,” Michael said.
Corporates looking to team up with iSchool Africa can get in touch via michelle@ischoolafrica.com, while those looking to help their future efforts can make a donation here.
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