Saab SA has donated R2 million for two iLab classrooms for rural schools in Limpopo province.
The telecommunications, defence and security company is working in partnership with the SA Army and the Bakenberg Traditional Council. Mathulamisha High School, in Bakenberg, and Ditsepu Secondary School, in Polokwane, will benefit from the initiative.
Minister of defence and military veterans Lindiwe Sisulu recently handed over an iLab classroom to Ditsepu Secondary School.
Florence Musengi, head of communications and public affairs for Saab SA, says the initiative forms part of a Saab private-public partnership, which focuses on encouraging the rural communities to participate in educational programmes which focus on ICT.
“The donation is set to highlight the company's continuous involvement in uplifting underprivileged communities and to cultivate relationships with leaders in these communities,” she says.
The donation follows a visit to the area by the Ministry of Defence, during the 2008 Imbizo week. During this visit, certain needs were identified in selected rural schools and the department undertook to assist the schools in collaboration with other role players. The department identified a computer centre, office space, furniture and functioning ablution facilities, as some of the key needs of the schools.
The iLab classrooms are self-contained computer educational facilities, which provide learners with access to a computer training environment. The units accommodate a minimum of 24 learner stations. Computer stations are linked to the Internet and designed as integrated solutions which combine basic classroom equipment with ruggedised and control software.
The stations are pre-packaged with operating software and include education software packages. Also included in each package is a 42-inch educator LCD screen, a classroom server, a multifunction printer, 48-port classroom switch, DC power distribution and alarm system.
“We are proud to be associated with Saab and confident the iLab classrooms will yield results and ultimately bridge the digital divide experienced in our rural communities, said Lt Gen Solly Shoke, chief of the SA Army.
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