Nortel Networks South Africa has identified the need to promote the use of Information and Communication Technologies in previously disadvantaged communities in South Africa. Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology skills are severely lacking in these under-privileged communities. Nortel Networks sees this as an opportunity to bring technology closer to these communities to instil interest in developing these skills.
In SchoolNet South Africa, Nortel Networks has found a partner in the delivery of this valuable community service. Nortel Networks is sponsoring the `Phumelela Networks` project with an amount of over R1.5 m over two years. The `Phumelela Networks` project, phumelela meaning `to be successful`, consists of the establishment of three provincial hub sites in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Gauteng provinces. The partnership provides the possibility of extending the project to other provinces in South Africa.
These 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.
Nortel Networks delivers value to customers around the world through Unified Networks Solutions, spanning mission-critical telephony and IP-optimized 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 USD17.6 billion and has approximately 75,000 employees worldwide.
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.
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