Wings of opportunity: Bringing drones into the classroom

A passion for technology and education is lifting one young entrepreneur to new heights. Happiness Godora, a graduate of the College of Education at Unisa, is integrating drone technology into classrooms to help make STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning an interactive experience for South Africa's learners.

The main goal of her startup, Edu Drones and STEM Events, is to encourage future career opportunities in aviation and technology by inspiring schools to incorporate hands-on learning using drone technology.

As a qualified teacher and drone pilot, Godora combines her passion for technology and education to change how students experience science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Through her startup, Edu Drones and STEM Events, she uses drone technology to create engaging and interactive learning experiences that make STEM education more hands-on and exciting for young learners.  

Godora, who holds a BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drone rating, said she started the initiative to close the gap between traditional classroom learning and the increasing need for technological skills. “Many students think that STEM is too difficult or boring, but when you start introducing fun and hands-on tools like drones, the learning becomes exciting and practical,” she explains.  

Edu Drones and STEM Events provides students with an introduction to drone sports, racing, aerial photography, and coding, and combines these with STEM subjects. The idea behind the various programmes is to teach students to apply both scientific and technical learning in real-life situations and, through this, develop problem-solving skills as well as teamwork.  

Godora, who is currently enrolled for an honours degree in the College of Education, highlighted that she first learnt about drones when she joined the Inhlanyelo Hub Drone Diva Programme in 2023. Inhlanyelo Hub is a Unisa subsidiary. The programme supports young women registered in Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology, College of Human Sciences and College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences who are interested in the drone industry. The Inhlanyelo Hub Drone Diva Programme provides comprehensive training in drone piloting, technology development (including coding), industry optimisation, and manufacturing, empowering participants to establish and operate their own small businesses within the drone industry. The programme runs over three months and is treated as a grant to successful applicants, fully funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training’s University Capacity Development Grant towards Student Development.

“I learnt the basic skills I needed to fly drones safely and with confidence," she adds. "It gave me many chances to network and made me look more credible when I talked to schools and potential development partners." She acknowledges that some aspects had been challenging, particularly the technical flying and understanding of drone regulations. However, she says her drive to inspire young people kept her going. “Every time I thought about giving up, I told myself that this opportunity was open-ended and not just for myself,” she explains. “This is something that could ignite talent in any of the learners out there through one of my programmes.”  

Since completing the programme, Edu Drones and STEM Events has commenced presenting pilot sessions in schools and has received positive feedback from both teachers and learners. According to Godora, learners who were once bored are now inspired to learn more about STEM subjects and are even considering future careers in aviation, technology, and engineering. 

Her long-term vision is to develop a foundational drone education module that could eventually be implemented within the formal education system. She believes that this type of education can play a crucial part in equipping South African youth with essential skills for the future.  

Godora advises individuals who aspire to explore new endeavours to seize opportunities like those provided by the Inhlanyelo Hub. “If you have a fantastic vision, don’t wait until everything is sorted in your own mind,” she says. “There's already all the credibility you need to launch. Take the leap, hold fast, and use the support and training available to those focused on the task."

Click here for more information on Inhlanyelo Hub and its programmes.

* Submitted by Robert Mavhungu, Communication and Marketing Officer, Inhlanyelo Hub