S4C has agreed a new partnership with Swansea’s ‘LIFE Programme’ in order to enable young people in the area to develop a bilingual app and market it. The scheme will form part of the LIFE Talent Academy which will lauch in Swansea in May.
The LIFE programme in Swansea is a unique, innovative and creative project which is combining digital technologies and education. By embracing new learning methods it aims to share skills across the generations, where learning has no boundaries and also crosses sectors such as industry, commercial and education.
The LIFE Talent Academy takes place on Swansea University’s campus in alliance with Technocamps from May 16th this year. The 15 young people to take part will have been chosen following the initial twelve week coding and app development programme with Technocamps and LIFE. The pupils, who come from Welsh and English medium schools, have been identified as highly skilled and talented in this particular field.
S4C has agreed to support the design and development of a bilingual app – and making it available for download throughout the world. This will be an invaluable opportunity for the pupils involved in the Academy and will stand them in good stead to return to their schools as Digital Leaders and share their expertise.
S4C will also support a specific project with Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr and its feeder primaries to develop programming and coding software skills through the medium of Welsh.
Simon Pridham, LIFE Programme Manager and Executive Headteacher at Casllwchwr Primary School, said: “Without the support of partners such as S4C, LIFE would not be able to give these opportunities to pupils and learners across the city and the development of bilingual apps will be an excellent end product of this key partnership.
“With the help of S4C, the LIFE programme is aiming to make a difference in Digital Wales.”
S4C’s Digital Manager, Huw Marshall said: “S4C recognise the importance of supporting the development of digital skills from an early age, especially through the medium of the Welsh language. S4C is committed to developing new digital technologies which will further enrich the Welsh digital landscape and help us as a channel reach new audiences."
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Notes: For more information about the LIFE Programme please contact Simon Pridham on simonpridham@gmail.com
