University of Cape Town Online School selected as global Top Innovator

The University of Cape Town’s online school has been selected as one of the Top 12 innovators in the WorldClass Education Challenge held during the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Summit 2021. 

UCT online school selected as ‘top innovator’

UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng comments on the global recognition of being one of the ‘top innovators’.

 “It is a proud moment for us to have the UCT Online High School receiving this high international recognition barely two months after being launched. We are looking forward to continuing in our endeavour to not only address some of the pressing issues at both continental and global level but also ensuring wider access to quality education. 

UCT’s online school

The online school was born out of collaboration with Cape Town-based edtech Valenture Institute. The technology and learning model emplored by the edtech startup forms the foundation for UCT’s online school

Robert Paddock, Valenture Institute CEO and founder comments on the partnership with UCT in establishing the prestigious online school. 

‘Effective partnerships between institutions with complementary skill sets will continue to be a key requirement if we hope to stand any chance of solving the hard and multifaceted education challenges facing the continent. Our existing collaborations with the University of Cape Town, as well as the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, are already a testament to the power of effective partnerships. Our further collaboration with Deloitte and WEF present additional opportunities to further the impact of this timely project’, 

The World Education Challenge

Launched and founded by Deloitte in May 2021, The WorldClass Education Challenge is hosted on the World Economic Forum’s Uplink Platform. This digital platform functions as a space where crowdsource solutions for global pressing issues can be shared, discussed and more. 

UCT’s online school was selected within the top 12 and handpicked out of a total of 400 submissions. The inclusion as one of the top innovators means that UCT’s online school will work alongside Deloitte to develop solutions towards the global education crisis. 

In addition, the top 12 innovators selected will join a 12-month long cohort programme where Deloitte will invest up to $1-million via pro bono and other financial support to help these selected innovators scale up their initiative. 

“This recognition aligns with UCT’s Vision 2030 strategy to unleash human potential for a fair and just society. Anchored firmly on our three pillars of excellence, transformation and sustainability, we will through this Challenge continue advancing solutions, a quest which is now extended through our offering in the secondary school sector,” concludes Phakeng

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Featured image: University of Cape Town, Facebook