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Govt sets up computer labs in KZN

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 18 Jan 2016
Each of the computer labs donated by the science and technology department are equipped with 40 computers.
Each of the computer labs donated by the science and technology department are equipped with 40 computers.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has set-up four mobile computer labs to assist schools in the uMkhanyakude district in KwaZulu-Natal.

The computer labs, each equipped with 40 computers, will benefit 29 schools in uMkhanyakude, and are expected to boost mathematics and science education in the area.

The department earmarked this district to benefit from the computer-based initiative, as the majority of schools in uMkhanyakude lack computer labs.

The mobile labs will also see teachers in the district receive training in teaching computer-based curricula, which is expected to improve maths and science skills in a district where performance in these subjects has been poor, says the DST.

For the 2014 Annual National Assessment, grade six learners in uMkhanyakude achieved an average percentage of 40.1% in mathematics. Meanwhile, learners in grade nine only achieved an average percentage of 9.2% in mathematics versus 10.8% for the nation as a whole, according to the DST.

Speaking at the handover of the labs, DST minister Naledi Pandor said information and communication technologies are crucial to delivering skills to learners and benefiting marginalised communities.

"ICT can make a difference in the learning and teaching of mathematics and science, and we know that these subjects provide learners with a gateway to wide-ranging career options," she said.

The principal of one of the schools that will benefit from these computer labs said: "The school appreciates the DST's support for this project, as science and technology innovations can help South Africa to tackle poverty, create sustainable jobs and enhance the delivery of basic services."

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