CHOC partners with Core Group to help pediatric oncology patients continue their studies

Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (CHOC) and Core Group, the leading distributor of Apple, DJI, and Nintendo in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, partnered to introduce the iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme to four hospital schools in Gauteng, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital School situated inside the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

The initiative supports pediatric oncology patients by ensuring their education continues despite the challenges posed by cancer treatment and prolonged hospital stays.

“This collaboration and initiative is a dream come true for CHOC. It is exciting to be able to have the launch of this programme during September, which is known internationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,” said CEO of CHOC, Hedley Lewis.

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Lewis added that September was a month when CHOC stood together to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children and teenagers with cancer, survivors, and their families.

“Our voices are stronger when united, and together we can make a difference,” noted the CHOC CEO.

The programme brings iPads loaded with engaging content directly to children and teenagers undergoing cancer treatment. The goals include reducing anxiety, minimising learning loss, and assisting with various therapies.

Comprehensive training is provided to hospital schoolteachers and CHOC volunteers to integrate the technology effectively into the children’s and teenagers’ routines and educational plans.

Core Group contributed iPads with built-in accessibility features and a wide selection of age-appropriate curriculum and entertainment apps. “We are thrilled to partner with CHOC to support the needs and rights of young learners,” explained Dian De La Port, CEO of Core Group.

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The Impact of the Programme: Xichavo Mhangani’s Story

Xichavo Mhangani shared his journey with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Despite the challenges of his diagnosis and treatment, Xichavo showed remarkable resilience.

He balances his responsibilities as the head of a child-headed household, caring for his younger siblings, while pursuing his academic goals.

During his treatment, Xichavo found solace and support at the CHOC house in Diepkloof. The staff and other children became like a family to him, helping him come to terms with his diagnosis.

His story highlights the potential impact of the iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme. Despite the toll of his treatments, Xichavo is working hard to excel in his studies and dreams of becoming a chartered accountant. Access to the iSchoolAfrica programme will provided him with additional educational support, improving his academic performance during this challenging time.

“Gold September is an internationally recognised month dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer. The iconic gold ribbon symbolises the incredible strength, courage, and resilience of children and teenagers impacted by this disease. It is essential to unite to amplify early detection, treatment, and support for affected families in alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC).”

The GICC aims to elevate the global overall survival rate to 60% by 2030 and to ensure that children and adolescents can lead a life free from pain and suffering, even in the face of such a challenging illness,” said Prof Gita Naidu, head of paediatric oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

This partnership embodies a shared commitment to improving the quality of life and educational opportunities for children battling cancer.

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