Local telecoms operator Vodacom has donated a fully equipped computer centre and internet access to learners from Wingen Heights Secondary School in Shallcross, KwaZulu Natal. The school is well-known for its excellent matric pass rate.
In a bid to continue the standard of excellence at Wingen Heights Secondary School, Vodacom is confident that the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) will help sustain the outstanding matric results at the school.
Through its Vodacom Millionaires initiative, Vodacom has provided the school with 21 laptops, a server, printer, cartridges, four WebBoxes with LCD screens and 400 megabytes of monthly data so that the students can have access to the internet for information and content that will help with their school work.
Internet penetration in South Africa is still very low especially in previously disadvantaged schools“Internet penetration in South Africa is still very low especially in previously disadvantaged schools,” says Vodacom chief officer for corporate affairs, Maya Makanjee. “However, with the Vodacom Millionaires initiative now in its eighth year, we aim to bridge the digital divide that exists in communities without access to ICTs.”
POWER OF THE INTERNET
The project is designed to provide internet connectivity to communities that do not have access to internet services and is part of Vodacom’s commitment to ensuring that more communities and people in the country are able to leverage the information, access and content that the internet provides.
“Vodacom Millionaires supports public schools throughout the country by ensuring that teachers have access to the highest quality teaching resources. The power of the internet is invaluable and connectivity has the potential to transform education and accelerate economic and job growth in this country.
“We encourage schools that are currently without a computer lab to contact us for the forms and apply,” says Makanjee.
The popular Vodacom Millionaires TV game show donates four computer labs every month, and to date more than 280 computer labs have been installed in previously disadvantaged schools.
Vodacom Millionaires encourages schools that are currently without computer facilities to contact it on 082 24 32082 (free from Vodacom cell phones) for assistance.
Two schools to have recently benefited from computer facilities donated through the Vodacom Millionaires initiative include Nqweba Secondary School in Graaff-Reinet and Jonguhlanga Secondary School in Mthatha.
