NSN gives Dinaledi schools a boost

By Siyabonga Africa, ITWeb junior journalist

Johannesburg, 01 Apr 2009

Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) is pumping more than R1 million into developing maths and science teaching at the two schools it has adopted as a part of the Dinaledi schools initiative.

The telecommunications service provider will supply skills training for teachers at Gatang Comprehensive School and Ndzundza Mabhoko High School, in Mpumalanga.

The company says it will dedicate more than 70% of its initial investment towards skills development at the two schools over the next three years, with a mind to further invest where needs be.

NSN head of Southern Africa sub-region Linda Khumalo says NSN's mentorship programme will begin this month and employees from the telco will choose grade 10 learners from either of the schools it has adopted.

“The mentorship programme consists of guiding learners to academic excellence, assisting with social skills development, social responsibility and career guidance,” adds Khumalo. “The aim of these initiatives is to take ICT students' abilities beyond curriculum leanings and equip them with expertise and knowledge that will prepare them for the industry environment.”

Re-evaluation

Earlier this year, the Department of Education (DOE) announced it would re-evaluate the Dinaledi schools after the 2008 matric results showed only 25% of the more than 500 schools had matriculants who passed maths and science.

DOE spokesman Lunga Ngqengelele was reported saying the department was analysing the results which showed a dismal performance all-round.

“We also only know of 10 schools, at the moment, which underperformed. We are looking at whether we should replace those schools that didn't perform well.”

Ngqengelele added the department was considering replacing underperforming schools by measuring them according to a set of criteria which the schools have to meet or exceed. He said the decision to replace schools and identify new ones will be taken by provincial governments.