The newly-opened Diepsloot Primary School has become the latest beneficiary of the ministry of communications' special schools programme, with the donation of a fully-equipped computer laboratory.
Third cellphone operator Cell C, in partnership with ZTE, New Age Holdings and the Department of Communications (DOC), unveiled the computer lab during a ceremony at the school in Johannesburg North, yesterday.
Officially opened by the deputy minister of communications, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, the lab houses 10 of the latest Dell XPS desktop computers, with core i7 processors, running on a Windows server and using NComputing on thin client.
In addition, Cell C has subsidised 12 months' worth of Internet connectivity, consisting of 60GB of data and a USB speedstick, capable of speeds up to 21.6Mbps.
Cell C says the lab will be used for basic Internet browsing, research for school projects, computer literacy training and school assignments. “Cell C has also donated 50 sets of school uniforms, valued at R35 000.”
Developing SA's future
Executive head of regulatory affairs at Cell C, Mothibi Ramusi, says the collaboration with the communications ministry is aimed at developing SA's future leaders through ICT. “We believe that by exposing learners to ICT and technology, we are also positively contributing towards bridging the digital divide.”
Tagged: “Reclaiming our future through ICT”, the special schools programme also aims to provide computers, Internet connectivity and school uniforms to needy and under-serviced schools across SA. As part of this, says Cell C, the operator has connected schools across the country via its HSPA+ network, launched in September 2010.
Ramusi says Cell C has urged the school administration body to integrate the lab programme with local community for buy-in and use.
“Cell C is wholeheartedly behind government's plan to bring 100% broadband coverage to SA by 2020. We are already more than halfway there with our own network, and plan to have completed the 100% coverage mark well in advance of government's deadline.”
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