Vodacom together with the Department of Communications today handed over a mobile computer centre and free data to the previously disadvantaged Jonguhlanga Secondary School in Mthatha.
This initiative is the realisation of a partnership between Vodacom and the Department of Communications to give unconnected schools and communities access to basic information and communication technology (ICT) resources.
Jonguhlanga Secondary School will now have access to a functional mobile computer centre equipped with a server, 21 workstations and multimedia projector for use by learners to gain basic computer skills that will help improve their learning.
“Internet penetration in South Africa is still very low, especially in rural school,” said Vodacom chief officer for corporate affairs, Maya Makanjee. “With projects such as these, Vodacom aims to level the playing field for learners who previously had limited or no access to technology.
Vodacom Foundation’s Mthobeli Tengimfene speaking during the mobile computer centre handover at Jonguhlanga Secondary School in Mthatha (Image: Vodacom Foundation)“This intervention is not only expected to improve learner pass rates, but is also expected to ensure that learners have had some exposure to ICTs by the time they reach tertiary level. This is in line with Vodacom’s Education flagship initiative that seeks to use ICT to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom.”
OFFERING QUALITY EDUCATION
Speaking at the event, deputy communications minister Stella Tembisa Ndabeni-Abrahams said the department had partnered with Vodacom to provide broadband connectivity to unconnected schools, as the department believed that well-resourced and equipped learners would perform better – contributing to an improved matric pass rate in the country.
“Such partnerships are critical if we are to offer quality education to our learners and to schools, particularly those that have previously not been exposed to such learning opportunities,” she said. “We are delighted to be handing over the computers as it is part of our schools connectivity initiative.
“We are committed to connecting schools nationwide through both public and private partnerships.”
Jonguhlanga Secondary School principal Nombuyiselo Boya said that they were humbled to receive the mobile computer centre: “Our school had no computers. This will expose our learners to the internet and will also help improve the quality of education we offer our learners.”
Vodacom supports public schools throughout the country by ensuring that teachers have access to the highest quality resources. To date, Vodacom has donated over 280 computer labs country wide.
