According to a book by Johan Erasmus and Mignonne Breier, titled: “Skills Shortages in South Africa”, the country's skills shortages are widely regarded as a key factor preventing the achievement of targeted growth. Factors that contribute to this, especially in the previously disadvantaged communities, include lack of access to proper education, career guidance and computers - in this technological age.
Research has shown the importance of education to our youth as a means to bring about the desired change in society, to develop a generation of virtuous individuals, thus contributing to the development of good human beings. To add to this, computers provide one-on-one access to resources and automated practice exercises that help youth master the skills and concepts taught in the classrooms.
As part of contributing towards a better and improved education, Business Connexion has, in partnership with the Development Bank of SA (DBSA), shown its commitment towards the development and sustainability of South African youth by officially handing over a computer centre worth R700 000 to Alphendale Secondary School in East London.
Alphendale is a comprehensive high school, which offers both technical and academic courses to more than 1 200 students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. Clive Prince, Principal of the school, said: “We are extremely proud of the new computer centre and touched by Business Connexion's sincere effort, energy and vigour to make this dream a reality. I believe the centre will make a profound difference to our learners, teachers and the broader community.”
The computer centre consists of 31 monitors connected to a server, as well as a big screen TV and customised desks for able-bodied and disabled students. Alphendale now has full Internet connectivity, and plans to introduce Computer Applied Technology as a subject from 2012. In the meantime, students will attend computer literacy classes, use the Internet to conduct research, and produce projects using the new systems.
Benjamin Mophatlane, CEO of Business Connexion, says: “We understand the challenges that the country is facing when it comes to the shortage of specialised skills; that is why we have invested over R5 million into education over the last two financial years. This is but one of our pledges to assist government in overcoming those challenges wherever possible. The project with Alphendale Secondary School presented a fantastic opportunity for us to make a contribution towards grooming South Africa's future leaders.”
The school also plans to install Pastel Accounting, a Geographic Information System (GIS) and AutoCAD for its commercial, geography, engineering as well as graphic design students. “We will be extending this facility to the broader community by offering an Adult Business and Education Training programme in the afternoons for adults wishing to learn basic computer skills,” Prince said. “This is currently in the pipeline for registration with the Department of Education. I would once more like to extend our gratitude to all the role-players involved in the creation of this wonderful centre.”
The handover of the new computer centre coincided with the launch of Business Connexion's new East London office. Xolani Mbulawa, General Manager of Business Connexion East London, said: “Because Business Connexion understands the importance of giving back in the communities where it operates, it decided to officiate the opening of its new premises in the East London area, by taking part in the improvement of the country's education.”
A substantial portion of Business Connexion's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding is allocated towards the implementation of computer centres in partnership with schools, focusing mainly on rural and underprivileged communities. Two recent examples are Irene Primary and Irene Middle School in Gauteng, which received a fully fitted IT laboratory with its own classroom; and Matladi Primary School in Limpopo, where Business Connexion refurbished two existing classrooms into IT laboratories.
“The mission of our CSR programme is for Business Connexion to empower young people to be able to change their lives as well as those of their community through technology,” Mophatlane said. “We see our responsibility towards the communities where we operate as a business imperative, and aim to combine business acumen, innovation and advocacy to spark a revolution for youth, led by youth.”
Additional information on Business Connexion's 'letmelearn' CSI programme.
Falling under this flagship CSI programme, a further five Social Economic Development (SED) programmes are run by the company. These include:
* The School Development Programmes, which so far has donated one IT Lab as well as six new and improved, highly secured iLabs around the country;
* The Soweto Canoe and Recreational Club in Gauteng;
* The WWF Eco-School Programme - a national project;
* The national Rally to Read programme; as well as
* A national Information Technology Business Learnership Programme in partnership with the Reserve Bank, which provide IT skills to graduates.
NB: These programmes combine formal learning with other aspects of social development.
For media queries, please contact:
1. Miranda Lusiba - Group Manager: Communication, Marketing & Communications @ Business Connexion; Tel: 011 290-9112/083 212 8624; E-mail: Miranda.Lusiba@bcx.co.za
2. Vernicia Pillay - Marketing & Communications Assistant @ Business Connexion; Tel: 011 290-9101; E-mail: Vernicia.Pillay@bcx.co.za
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Business Connexion
Business Connexion is a leading integrator of innovative business solutions based on information and communications technology (ICT). With just over 5 500 employees and a track record spanning over 30 years, Business Connexion runs mission-critical ICT systems and manages products, services and solutions for JSE-listed and key public sector organisations, parastatals and medium-sized companies.
Business Connexion has a unique business model that represents the company's approach to configuring and integrating business solutions, which it develops and implements by drawing on expertise from entrenched competencies across the organisation. In order to deliver a world-class service, Business Connexion has developed strong relationships and attained top-level certification, with many of the world's leading ICT suppliers. To find out how Business Connexion can connect your business to a world of endless possibilities, visit http://www.bcx.co.za.
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