A project undertaken by Nortel Networks in South Africa mirrors an initiative in the US to network every classroom in the Philadelphia School District.
The local project, called "Phumelela Networks" is based on the need to promote the use of information and communication technologies in previously disadvantaged communities. Nortel is partnering with SchoolNet South Africa to deliver these technologies and encourage the development of skills in areas such as Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology. Phumelela means "to be successful".
In Philadelphia, 215,000 students attend 280 schools, making it the fifth largest school district in the US. The District received funding of $3,5 million, which will be used to wire every one of its classrooms with equipment from Nortel Networks.
In South Africa, Nortel is sponsoring the Phumelela Networks project with an amount of R1.5 million over two years. The initiative will see the establishment of three provincial hub sites in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Gauteng. It may be extended to other provinces over the long term.
The hub sites will consist of networked computers and telecommunications infrastructure in a community access facility, servicing schools and the community at large. SchoolNet SA will make appropriate educational support and training available at these hub sites to ensure that educators and learners use technology and the Internet in particular, as a teaching and learning resource. This includes the training of dedicated technical interns at each site. The project provides for the development of partnerships with the local community, ensuring a sustainable project.
SchoolNet SA is a non-profit organisation focusing on the effective use of information and communication technologies in education in South Africa, and has the active support of various government departments represented on its Board of Governors. SchoolNet SA is a secretariat of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian parastatal donor organisation.
Nortel Networks works with customers world-wide to design, build, and deliver telecommunications and IP-optimised networks. Customers include public and private enterprises and institutions; Internet service providers; local, long-distance, cellular and PCS communications companies; cable television carriers; and utilities.
Nortel Networks` common shares are listed on the New York, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and London stock exchanges. Nortel Networks had 1998 revenues of US$17.6 billion and has approximately 75,000 employees world-wide.
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