In 2017, the Siyavula Foundation was formed as a separate entity from Siyavula Education to better meet the demand from low and no-income schools for access to Siyavula’s practice software, and due to interest from international grant funders. Siyavula Education and the Siyavula Foundation have formed a strategic partnership to jointly seek to make both the software practice and open online textbooks freely available to students across Africa.

The Siyavula Foundation is a non-profit organization based in South Africa that focuses on improving access to quality education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The foundation is closely associated with the Siyavula platform, an online educational resource that provides free and open learning materials for students and educators.
The Siyavula Foundation's primary mission is to democratize education by advocating for open educational resources (OER). They firmly believe that educational materials should be freely accessible to all learners, regardless of their financial background, and that OER can play a crucial role in addressing educational disparities globally.
The foundation places a strong emphasis on STEM education due to its importance in nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and preparing students for future careers in rapidly evolving industries. Through their free and accessible resources, the Siyavula Foundation aims to bridge the education gap and empower learners with knowledge and skills that can positively impact their lives and communities.
In addition to providing open educational resources, the Siyavula Foundation also supports teacher professional development initiatives. They recognize the vital role of educators in delivering effective STEM education and, therefore, work towards enhancing their skills and capabilities.
One of the significant social impacts of the Siyavula Foundation's work is felt in underserved communities. These are often areas where access to quality education is limited, making the provision of free and accessible resources even more critical. By empowering learners in these communities, the foundation strives to contribute to societal development and economic growth.
At the core of the Siyavula Foundation's approach is collaboration. To achieve their goals, they work closely with various organizations, government bodies, and educational institutions. These partnerships play a crucial role in scaling the availability of their educational resources and expanding their reach to more learners and educators.
Overall, the Siyavula Foundation is a driving force in the promotion of open education and the advancement of STEM education in South Africa and beyond. By leveraging technology, community collaboration, and partnerships, the foundation continues to make strides towards its mission of providing equal educational opportunities for all learners, irrespective of their backgrounds.


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Alexandra Trinder-Smith
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