![Telkom invests R200 million in education initiative. [Photo source: Gauteng Education]](https://www.itweb.co.za/static/pictures/2017/07/resized/Telkom-ICT-facility.xl.jpg)
Telkom, through its foundation, will invest more than R200 million over the next five years to improve the quality of teaching and learning, with a specific focus on maths, science and English, the company announced.
The programme, which targets disadvantaged communities, will be rolled out at schools in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
According to the JSE-listed group, approximately R130 million of the total investment will be used for its supplementary programme to support grade eight learners right through to matric and facilitate training of teachers.
The programme aims to benefit 3 000 learners in the first year, says the telecoms group.
At a launch event today, Telkom handed over high-tech infrastructure to five schools in Tshwane West as part of the Connected Schools Programme (CSP).
About 943 learners and 60 teachers will receive two-in-one tablets and 60 laptops, which are loaded with educational content. The technology will be protected by 24-hour security.
Telkom says the CSP is a three-phased programme that aims to assist learners to improve their performance in grades eight to matric in subjects like maths, science and English. The programme identifies, develops and supports learners to ensure they are aptly prepared for employment in ICT-related careers.
Telkom group CEO Sipho Maseko says: "It has been made very clear that we have a significant skills gap in South Africa, as well as a lack of connectivity in certain areas. While the focus on subjects such as maths and science at a school level has increased, this has not been supported by actual large-scale investment. We are changing that. Through this type of investment, we are training learners and teachers, equipping schools and supporting the Department of Basic Education by creating environments which encourage growth and development."
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga adds: "The use of ICT in education is increasingly becoming an important medium for complementing the delivery of curriculum in most developing countries, and most definitely for our country.
"Therefore, the continuous and valued contribution by Telkom to assist the department in placing key ICT devices in the hands of our teachers and learners, has the potential to break the digital divide and indeed assist us in improving the ICT professional development of all teachers involved," she concludes.
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