Helping South Africa’s children build their future with AI and technology.
AI Grassroots is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to making AI and technology learning accessible, practical and inspiring for children across South Africa.
Discover
School TalkAn engaging talk introducing AI, technology, and real career possibilities. No devices needed.
Try
Practical ExerciseA guided practical activity that beginners can complete on low-data phones or paper worksheets.
Build
Community ProjectA small collaborative project addressing a familiar neighbourhood or school challenge.
Continue
Teacher SupportAccessible resources, teacher guidance, and pathways to youth coding academies.
Talent and ambition exist everywhere. Practical technology access should too.
Every day, artificial intelligence and automated systems become more embedded in daily life, education, and future work across South Africa. Yet meaningful, foundational technology education remains out of reach for most public school learners.
Our outreach priority includes underserved township and Cape Flats communities, particularly learners from previously disadvantaged communities with limited access to technology opportunities. We are welcoming to every learner, celebrating community talent, creativity, and problem-solving capability.
Started by Shadlie Kamaldien, who grew up in Hanover Park on the Cape Flats, raised by a single mother.
A belief in every child’s potential is at the heart of AI Grassroots.
From Consumers to Creators
Children are surrounded by algorithms. When they learn how code and data work together, they gain the agency to design tools that solve real challenges.
Confidence Without Fear
Artificial intelligence can seem mysterious or intimidating. Practical exploration replaces anxiety with genuine understanding and grounded curiosity.
Critical and Ethical Thinking
We believe young people must know where AI can make mistakes, how bias enters datasets, and how to protect their own privacy and dignity online.
Community-Rooted Learning
Connecting digital concepts to everyday South African experiences, helping learners imagine solutions for their own neighbourhoods, schools, and homes.
What we aim to help children learn
We focus on practical, foundational concepts that build lifelong digital resilience. These five focus areas guide our upcoming learning materials and workshop designs.
Digital foundations
Using computers with confidence, exploring digital tools, mastering file management, and understanding everyday online safety.
AI literacy
Understanding what AI can do, where it makes mistakes, and learning how to question its outputs rather than accepting them blindly.
Coding and creativity
Building simple interactive games, visual stories, and creative projects that translate logic into enjoyable tangible results.
Responsible technology use
Learning about personal data privacy, misinformation, fairness in algorithms, and respectful online communication.
Community problem-solving
Exploring how technology and data can help with everyday local challenges, from water conservation to recycling and neighbourhood safety.
Learn by Building
“Hands-on activities, age-appropriate explanations and opportunities to learn by making and doing.”
Free AI Courses, Cloud Credits & South African Tech Jobs
Explore learning resources, local training, cloud tools and South African career pathways. Start with age-appropriate activities and check each provider’s current eligibility, pricing and account requirements before signing up.
Ways to get involved
We are building this initiative together with parents, educators, tech professionals, and community champions across South Africa.
Parents and guardians
Express interest in future learning opportunities and receive updates when activities are planned in your area.
Schools & community centres
Explore hosting or supporting practical learning activities, after-school workshops, or community tech sessions.
Volunteers and mentors
Offer your teaching, technology, organizing, curriculum or creative skills to support children’s learning.
Businesses and supporters
Discuss funding, learning materials, computers, connectivity, venues, or other practical support.
Please note: Involvement opportunities depend on programme needs and arrangements. We do not promise immediate placements.
Before you get in touch
A few practical answers for schools, parents and community hosts.
Do learners need a computer or coding experience?
No. Introductory talks are designed for beginners and can use classroom demonstrations or paper activities. Tell us what equipment your school has so we can discuss a suitable format.
Who can request a talk or workshop?
An adult educator, principal or community coordinator can enquire on behalf of a school, library or youth centre. Parents and guardians can use our contact form to discuss learning opportunities.
Are sessions already open for booking?
We are in our founding phase. School sessions are proposed during our founding phase. Grades, location, dates, facilitator arrangements and any costs must be agreed with each school. Sending an enquiry does not confirm a booking; we will follow up by email when availability can be discussed. A request starts a conversation; it does not confirm a booking.
Should I send information about individual children?
Please share school-level details, approximate learner numbers and grade levels only. Do not include children’s names, identity numbers or other private information in an enquiry.
Have questions or want to explore working together?
Whether you represent a community organisation, manage a school, work in tech, or care deeply about children’s education in South Africa, we would love to hear from you.