On October 31, NetDay'98 assisted schools around the country with cabling, which for schools, is a step closer to the information superhighway. One of the schools cabled, was Impala Crescent Primary School in Lenasia. NetDay now in its second year, currently has over 250 schools which have registered to participate in the programme.
This particular NetDay was a collaborative effort between NetDay, SchoolNet and the World Links programme. "It is important to understand that all the organisations are working towards the same goals," say Denis Brandjes of SchoolNet. He adds that the combined corporate support which each organisation receives, builds a strong movement to assist the 28 000 schools in South Africa.
The NetDay organisation has the backing of four core partners, Cisco Systems, Sun Microsystems, Gemini Consulting and Independent Newspapers. "The assistance of our core partners has enabled NetDay to build up a foundation from which we are able to operate," says NetDay co-ordinator Raashida Khan. "It is however vital that we continue to receive support from the broad corporate sector".
Khan notes that over the past month, a concerted marketing effort by NetDay has resulted in generous donations from corporates, which have included, obsolete PCs, modems, hubs and software. She explains that in its first year, NetDay focused solely on cabling.
This year however, the organisation has broadened its focus. "We found ourselves in the ideal position to facilitate the donation of equipment to schools and at the same time, realised that schools' needs are vast and extend beyond cabling." Khan made a further call to those businesses which are not involved, to consider where they are able to assist.
"Obsolete PCs may have no value to businesses, but the value for schools is enormous and in many cases with a basic upgrade, a school can be furnished with the beginning of a computer centre and an introduction to vital IT literacy".
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