GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - Emotions ran high at the Seed4Africa National Hackathon when one of the four teams that entered this nationwide competition won a trip to Italy to compete on international level in July.
The competition is co-funded by the European Union and hosted by Learning Academy Worldwide.
The national event took place at Carmel Coastal Retreat in Victoria Bay from 11 to 12 March. The winning team, from the Northern Cape, was overwhelmed with excitement when their name was called as the judges' first choice.
Their project, 'Concordia Care', focuses on addressing food security in their dry climate. They propose the use of traditional farming methods, which does not require complex equipment.
PHOTO GALLERY - Seed4Africa National Hackathon: Learners and youngsters pitch their projects
Two teams from George High School and another from Concordia received a cheque of R2 000 each to further their respective initiatives.
They were encouraged to raise funds and continue their work in the communities.
The two teams from George High named their projects 'Green Harvest' and 'AgriFlow', each with a unique focus on obtaining food security.
'AgriFlow' proposed a look at indoor agriculture to secure food production through a network of sustainable, high-tech farms that provide fresh, nutritious produce to local communities while minimising the impact on the environment.
VIDEO - Seed4Africa National Hackathon: Youth grow ideas on food security
George High learners Curtis Gertse (Grade 10), Caromia Lottering (Grade 11), Jermaine Grootboom (Grade 11), Willeemja Jansen (Grade 11) and Ruchamee Taylor (Grade 11). Photo: Michelle Pienaar
George High Grade 11 learners during their presentation. From left are Alexa-Leigh Bruintjies, Nicole Hartzenberg, Adrihanté Fisher, Leslie-Ann Arries and Ciara Bailey. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
Concordia's second team proposed their project, 'Climate Smart Farming', with a focus on goat farming and breeds adapted for the dry climate of the Northern Cape.
The participating groups from the Northern Cape consisted of learners from Namakwaland High School, the Learning Academy Worldwide bridging programme in Concordia, and a group of students from the NCR TVET College in the Northern Cape.
Another team from Concordia: From left are Bradwin Nutt, Kiwano Cloete, Lynardo Cloete and Warnrick Ramsdon. Absent: Dillon Witbooi. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
Outreach and promotional events were held in the Southern and Northern Cape, and young people indicated a keen willingness to participate and prepare for a hackathon. Young people aged between 18 and 32 are the targeted demographic.
Groups had to create a design for marketing purposes, and propose a marketing and business strategy on the premises from scratch. They were allowed to bring along prepared artefacts and prepared promotional ideas that they could include in their preparation for the competition.
What is a hackathon?
It is a combination of a hack and a marathon: a time-compressed activity aimed at solving a problem. The marathon concept represents the restricted zone or distance, and 'hack' holds the notion of solving a problem.
Judges were selected and consisted of representatives from two other African countries, Benin and Kenya; Seed4Africa's Italian partner; and three South Africans.
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