Koa Academy, a South African online-only school, has recently made waves in the education sector by launching the country’s first Afrikaans virtual campus. This move comes as a response to the under-representation of the Afrikaans language in online and virtual education platforms. With over 13 percent of South Africa’s population speaking Afrikaans as their home language, Koa Academy aims to cater to this demographic by providing a personalized and culturally relevant educational experience.
The decision to offer an Afrikaans virtual campus stems from Koa Academy’s belief in the importance of educating students in their home language. According to the school, learning in one’s mother tongue can lead to improved academic performance, cognitive development, and a stronger sense of cultural identity. By offering education in Afrikaans, Koa Academy hopes to create a vibrant and stimulating environment for both students and teachers.
Since its establishment in 2021, Koa Academy has experienced steady growth and currently serves over 500 learners. The school’s success was further highlighted when it won $50,000 from the MEST Africa Challenge, a competition recognizing promising tech startups. Mark Anderson, the Principal and Co-founder of Koa Academy, emphasizes the potential of online schooling to deliver high-quality individualized learning, a key advantage that the school leverages through its virtual campuses.
The Afrikaans virtual campus is currently open to students in Grades 6 to 8, with plans to expand to other grades in the future. Koa Academy is accredited by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), ensuring that students receive a recognized and reputable education. Students are placed in small Pods led by dedicated teachers, allowing for regular engagement in their home language.
Esmarel Potgieter, the Head of Academics at Koa Akademie, highlights the school’s commitment to providing a quality online education tailored to Afrikaans speakers. In addition to offering language-specific instruction, Koa Academy is also dedicated to developing digital resources that enhance the online learning experience in Afrikaans.
Looking ahead, Koa Academy envisions the creation of other language-specific virtual campuses, such as isiZulu or isiXhosa, to further personalize education for diverse linguistic communities. By expanding its offerings, Koa Academy aims to provide families with a wider range of educational choices that align with their language preferences.
In conclusion, Koa Academy’s launch of an Afrikaans virtual campus represents a significant step towards promoting language diversity and inclusivity in online education. By prioritizing students‘ home languages and cultural identities, the school is paving the way for a more personalized and enriching educational experience for learners across South Africa.