Teachers at Esselen Heights Primary School in Phoenix were empowered with practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills while pupils enjoyed an exciting soccer development programme during a community outreach initiative hosted by Lenovo South Africa in partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT).

The initiative was designed to enhance digital teaching capabilities while promoting the physical and social development of pupils, creating a well-rounded experience for the entire school community.

The day’s highlight for teachers was an interactive professional development workshop titled ‘AI in the Classroom’, presented by Mr Ebrahim Asmal, head of Department for Information Technology at DUT and a leader in digital innovation in education.

During the workshop, teachers were introduced to practical ways of incorporating AI tools into their daily teaching practices with support from DUT students.

The session explored how AI can personalise learning experiences for diverse classrooms, reduce administrative tasks through automation, improve lesson planning and content creation, and enhance pupil engagement using interactive digital platforms.

Teachers also participated in hands-on demonstrations, gaining experience with AI-powered tools that assist with lesson design, assessment and classroom management.

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The workshop provided practical strategies that teachers can immediately implement in their classrooms.

“AI is not here to replace teachers, but to empower them. By embracing these technologies, we can create more inclusive, efficient and engaging learning environments for our pupils,” Asmal said.

He added that ongoing professional development is essential in preparing teachers for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), reinforcing DUT’s commitment to innovation and community upliftment.

While teachers attended the workshop, pupils participated in an energetic soccer skills development session that focused on fundamental football techniques, teamwork, communication, discipline, sportsmanship and physical fitness.

The pupils enthusiastically took to the field, enjoying a series of drills and mini-matches that not only developed their sporting abilities but also encouraged confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of community.

The initiative highlighted the growing partnership between DUT and Lenovo South Africa in advancing education through technology and meaningful community engagement.

By combining digital skills training for educators with recreational opportunities for pupils, the programme delivered benefits that extended across the entire school.

The event also supports broader efforts to bridge South Africa’s digital divide by equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare pupils for an increasingly technology-driven future, while simultaneously nurturing their physical and social well-being.

Jane Govindsamy of Lenovo South Africa said the success of the event demonstrated the value of bringing together technology, innovation and community engagement to create lasting educational impact.

Teachers left the workshop with greater confidence to integrate AI into their teaching practices, while pupils departed inspired and motivated following an enjoyable morning of sport.

The initiative stands as another example of how collaboration between higher education institutions and industry partners can strengthen classrooms, empower teachers and create meaningful opportunities for young people within local communities.