The Environment and Language Education Trust (ELET), a community partner of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Education, hosted a vibrant and meaningful digital literacy programme for Grade 3 learners and educators from nine Funda Ukufunda project schools across KwaZulu-Natal.

The event introduced learners to the world of artificial intelligence (AI), coding, and robotics – fields that many were encountering for the first time. Through engaging, hands-on activities, ELET facilitators sparked curiosity and empowered children to see themselves not only as consumers of technology, but also as future creators, innovators, and problem-solvers.

“Digital skills prepare the mind. Character education shapes the heart.”

After exploring digital futures, learners were drawn into the timeless power of storytelling and character development. ELET staff led an interactive read-aloud of Be a Good, Hardworking Child by Shih Cheng, a story that celebrates kindness, perseverance, and responsibility – key values for developing young minds.

In keeping with ELET’s multilingual approach, it was encouraging to note that the character education books were provided in both English and isiZulu. For the young learners we serve – many of whom speak isiZulu as a home language – this is not just a matter of accessibility; it is a matter of affirming identity, culture, and self-worth.

ELET firmly believes that language is a powerful tool for inclusion and learning. Providing reading materials in learners’ mother tongue alongside English helps bridge understanding, builds confidence, and strengthens the foundational literacy needed for long-term academic success. This approach aligns with the multilingual strategy implemented across our nine Funda Ukufunda project schools, where language is not a barrier – but a bridge to learning, community, and belonging.

Thanks to the generosity of the Tzu Chi Foundation, each learner received a personal pack of these bilingual character education books to take home. This ensures the stories and lessons continue to resonate – sparking conversations and reflection within families and communities. ‘Education without character is like a tree without fruit’.

This event captured the heart of ELET’s mission: to build a transformative, inclusive learning community that promotes a love for reading, nurtures values, and prepares learners with the digital and social-emotional tools needed to thrive in the 21st century.

At the core of this work is an unwavering belief: every child, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to learn, to read, and to imagine a brighter future – in their own language and on their own terms.