Computer lab to empower Emfuleni learners

© dotshock – 123RF.com

This is thanks to the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services Schools Connectivity Project which aims to ensure that all educational institutions in the country are connected.

The project, which started as a 2010 World Cup Legacy Project, is still continuing.

Sentech has provided the school with 20 laptops, a server, WAN access equipment, air conditioner and a mobile trolley for the laptops. The classroom that has been converted into a lab has also been refurbished.

The school is a no fee public school with a total of 295 registered learners from Grade R up to Grade 7.

With the challenge of having only nine teachers, the school also has other critical challenges that include water and sanitation.

Currently the pupils are using boreholes for water and pit toilets which are obstacles that still have to be addressed.

Some of the objectives for this computer lab launch include making learners aware of the vast opportunities in Information and Communications Technologies, encouraging computer literacy among learners and promoting research skills among learners while they are still young.

Department Deputy Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize told the excited learners that any road to success started with education and encouraged them to aspire to being future scientists, engineers and leaders in the telecommunications sector.

She said the computer laboratory brought with it new opportunities for the children and also new learning methods.

"We are raising our glasses high with the world and embrace the endless possibilities that broadband connectivity brings," the deputy minister said.

Her address was anchored around the International World Telecommunication and Information Society Day which will be celebrated on Sunday under the theme "Telecommunications and ICTs: Drivers of innovation".

The 17th of May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

This year, 2015, marks the 150th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union.

Deputy Minister Mkhize said government has made a commitment to expand, modernise and increase the affordability of information and communications infrastructure and electronic communication services, including broadband and digital broadcasting.

"A response to this commitment is the 'South Africa Connect', which is our Broadband Policy and Strategy, adopted by Cabinet in December 2013," she said.

The acting school Principal Nandi Motloung said they were very grateful for the donation.