The semi-finals of the Clash of the Techies, an Absa initiative, kicked off at the weekend. Learners from 30 schools within Gauteng are set to benefit from the debating and arts competition.
The competition, which commenced at the beginning of the month, is currently being piloted in 30 schools within Gauteng, with the aim of a national roll-out at a later stage.
The bank says the project aims to educate the youth (grade nine to12 learners) about the use of banking technology such as the Internet, cellphones, ATMs and other self-service channels.
Absa says it will also provide aspiring fine arts learners the opportunity to display their work at the bank's Towers North auditorium in Johannesburg after the finals. “This will expose them to established artists who may visit Absa for the duration of the project.”
This project is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education to give young students an opportunity to have fun while learning about technology.
The semi-finals were held on 26 February while the performing arts semi-finals will take place on 5 March.
The managing executive of Absa Digital Channels, Christo Vrey, says the competition is in line with Absa's efforts to consistently inform the public about electronic-based banking products and services.
“With this initiative, we will focus on the youth as we educate and highlight all benefits presented by digital banking channels,” he says.
The initiative also aims to introduce learners to personal financial management. “Addressing the financial education of our youth from a young age will ultimately contribute to their financial well-being later in their lives,” Vrey says.
The debating, music, poetry and fine arts competition will assist Absa Digital Channels in better understanding the attitudes and perceptions the youth have towards banking technology,” he added.
Schools selected for the pilot project are in the West Rand, Johannesburg Central and South districts.
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