Discover
Early learners explore shapes, sequencing and simple mechanisms through large building blocks and play-based engineering — the first step into a S.T.E.A.M mindset.
Non-Profit S.T.E.A.M Programme · Eldorado Park
Place Every Opportunity At The Feet Of Our Children.
Eldos Chess, Robotics & Coding NPC is building South Africa's next generation of engineers, coders, and strategic thinkers — from Eldorado Park to the world.
Est. 2020 · Reg. No 2021/142763/08 · Eldorado Park, Johannesburg
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children in our weekly community programme
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learners reached through school programmes
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trained coaches
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learners on our waiting list
Our Story
Seven years of building thinkers in Eldorado Park
The Eldos Chess, Robotics and Coding Programme has been running since 2019 and was registered in 2021 as a non-profit organisation based in Eldorado Park, Soweto. What began as a handful of curious children building their first robots has grown into a structured S.T.E.A.M pathway that reaches learners from pre-school through to high school.
In 2024 chess was added to the programme, bringing strategy, patience and critical thinking alongside robotics and coding — a natural partnership between the chessboard and the circuit board.
The programme is community-driven and community-led. A team of 20 trained coaches runs weekly sessions, school-based programmes and competition teams, all from within the community they serve.
“A program of this nature can bring to the light the next Bill Gates or Elon Musk.”
Our Vision
To be a leading community-based S.T.E.A.M organisation that unlocks the potential of every child in Eldorado Park and beyond — producing innovators, engineers, coders and strategic thinkers who change their own futures and the future of their communities.
Our Mission
To provide accessible, high-quality chess, robotics and coding education to children of all ages and backgrounds; to develop critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and confidence; and to create pathways into higher education and careers in technology, engineering and science.
Core Values
What we build into every child
Six principles that shape how we coach, compete and grow.
01
Innovation & Creativity
We encourage children to imagine, build, break and rebuild — turning ideas into working machines and code.
02
Inclusivity & Accessibility
Every child is welcome, regardless of background, ability or means. Cost is never a barrier to opportunity.
03
Collaboration & Teamwork
Robotics is a team sport. Learners plan, build and compete together, and learn to win and lose together.
04
Curiosity & Lifelong Learning
We nurture the question behind the question, and a hunger to keep learning long after the session ends.
05
Empowerment & Confidence
Children who present, compete and code learn to stand tall and speak for themselves anywhere.
06
Ethics & Responsibility
We build technology with integrity, and raise young people who use their skills for the good of others.
Programme Structure
Four pathways, one pipeline
From first building blocks at age three to international robotics competition and competitive chess.
Explore
Learners build their first motorised models and write their first block-based code, discovering sensors, gears and how a machine follows instructions.
Challenge
Competition-level robotics and coding. Teams design, program and test robots for regional, national and international challenges.
Chess
Introduced in 2024, our chess stream builds strategy, patience, focus and calculation — the thinking discipline behind every great engineer.
Community programme every Saturday, 09:00–13:00, plus school-based programmes during the week.
Milestones
A track record that compounds
From a community idea in 2019 to national winners and international qualification.
- Sept 2019
The Eldos Chess, Robotics and Coding Programme starts in Eldorado Park.
- 2021
Officially registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC).
- Sep 2021 / 22 / 23
Won the South West Regionals three years running.
- 2022
Qualified for Nationals. Hosted by LEGO USA on a visit, and two of our students received Texas University bursaries.
- 2023
Empowered 24 Early Learning Centres with robotics & coding.
- 2024
Chess introduced to the programme, rolled out at 4 primary schools, and 152 Early Learning Centres trained.
- 2025
National winners of the SpringBots SA 100 Teams Programme. Top 3 in the AI for Good Youth Challenge Johannesburg, and the opportunity to compete at the First Global Challenge in Mexico.
- Current
Expanding into other provinces and African countries.
Our Goals & Needs
What the next chapter requires
Clear, costed, and ready for a partner to plug into.
Short term
Secure equipment to serve the 250 learners currently on our waiting list, and get more teams competing regionally, nationally and internationally.
Medium term
Secure a permanent “Science Hub” facility for tutoring, workshops and holiday programmes — a home base for the community.
Long term
Expand the programme into other provinces and into African countries, sharing the model that works here.
The Science Hub
A permanent home for tutoring, workshops, competition prep and holiday programmes — the single biggest unlock for the 250 learners waiting for a seat.
Specific funding needs
- Robotics kits
- LEGO Education resources
- XRP Bots
- Laptops & tablets
- Chess equipment
- Internet infrastructure
- Transport & competition costs
- Coach training & accreditation
- Venue for the Science Hub
- Bursaries for our top learners
Partnership & Sponsorship
Choose the level of impact you want to own
Every tier is a direct line between your organisation and a child's first robot, first line of code, first tournament.
Bronze Partner
Supports a single team or classroom with equipment and materials. Partner acknowledged on our social media and in programme communications.
Discuss this tierSilver Partner
Funds equipment and running costs for a school-based programme for a term, with logo placement on programme materials and event acknowledgement.
Discuss this tierGold Partner
Sponsors competition teams including travel, kit and entry costs, with branding at events, media mentions and an annual impact report.
Discuss this tierPlatinum Partner
Anchor partner status: co-branding on the Science Hub, naming rights on a programme stream, priority media inclusion, employee volunteering days and detailed CSI/ESG impact reporting.
Discuss this tierInternational Innovation Partner
For global technology partners backing our expansion into other provinces and African countries — international competition support, mentorship exchange and joint innovation programmes.
Discuss this tierWays To Give
Support does not have to be cash
Equipment, space, bandwidth, time and expertise all move the needle.
Financial Sponsorship
Robotics & Coding Equipment
Digital Devices
Chess Equipment
Venue Support
Internet & Tech Infrastructure
Transport & Competition Support
Coach Training
Mentorship & Career Exposure
Bursaries & Scholarships
Volunteer / Skills-Based Support
Marketing & Media Support
Why Partner With Us
- A proven, award-winning programme with a seven-year track record.
- Community-led and community-run, by coaches from Eldorado Park itself.
- Registered NPC with transparent governance and reporting.
- Direct, measurable impact on learners in a previously disadvantaged community.
- A pipeline into engineering, coding and science careers for young South Africans.
- National and international competition exposure for the learners you support.
Benefits To Corporate Partners
- Brand visibility at competitions, workshops and community events.
- CSI and ESG reporting material with real numbers and real stories.
- Inclusion in media coverage, press features and community publications.
- Employee volunteering and skills-based mentorship opportunities.
- Association with youth development, education and innovation in South Africa.
- Direct engagement with the learners and coaches your support reaches.
What People Are Saying
Voices from our students and centres
“Thank you so much for what you are doing for our children. My child has changed — he is more confident, he thinks before he acts, and he can't wait for Saturday.”
YolandaParent, Eldorado Park“The robotics and coding training has transformed how our little ones learn. Our teachers now have the tools and the confidence to teach technology.”
Marcia JacksonECD Smart Star“Our children look forward to every session. They are building, they are counting, they are problem-solving — and they are so proud of themselves.”
MphoECD Little Sunshine“This programme brought something to our centre we could never have afforded on our own. We are grateful for the skills and the support.”
CheleetaECD Centre, Eldorado ParkIn The Media
Recognised beyond Eldorado Park
Local and online press coverage of our tournaments, launches and learners.
Soweto Urban — Eldorado
“Young minds shine at robotics challenge” — learners under six take on the Six Brick Demonstration Challenge.
Soweto Urban — Community
“Stimulating young minds with chess” — open day at Eldomaine High with the City of Johannesburg MMC.
Soweto Urban — Community
“Schools invited to robot buggy launch” — 20 schools join the CRT tournament at Don Mateman Hall.
Soweto Urban
“Sign up to join the Eldos chess tournament” — Chess Board Drive fundraiser at Eldomaine High School.
Soweto Urban Online
“Young learners set demonstrate robotic skills in Eldos” — online coverage, October 2024.
LinkedIn — Michelle Craig
“These young people are changing the narrative around Eldorado Park” — Youth Day feature calling for sponsors.
Picture Gallery
Our programme in action
Real moments from our competitions, sessions and community events.
Our Team competing at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre JohannesburgWith FIRST South Africa mentors at Sci-Bono
XRP in Regional Competition
FIRST LEGO League Gauteng South Competition
Early learner building at a Discover session
Team Eldos at Nationals in the finals at Yamaha Theatre Sandton
Cargo Connect mission table set up for judging
Coding a micro:bit between competition rounds
XRP Build-up ready for the track
100 Teams Gauteng Regional Qualifier Team Sponsored by Forge Academy
Coach training with Care for Education
Discover-level builders at a community outreach day
FIRST LEGO League mission models in play
Coaches on the Floor at AI for Good Challenge SandtonA New Engineer Will Be Born From This Initiative
As a previously disadvantaged community we have always been playing catch up. With the right partners behind us, our children do not have to. Give them the equipment, the space and the exposure, and they will do the rest — a new Engineer will be born from this initiative, NO DOUBT!!
Become a PartnerContact
Let's build the next engineer together
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