One thousand Limpopo learners spark digital revolution

Learners from Matladi Project High School, based in Zedebiela, Limpopo, face a number of challenges that include travelling long distances to school and inadequate learning utensils.

In addition, teaching and learning in this school is made more difficult by the congested classrooms with insufficient furniture. In spite of these challenges, the dedication of the teachers towards education is evident in the time taken to conduct Saturday classes for learners, and this has yielded excellent results, which include a 78% pass rate last year.

The fact that the school is located in an area that is rife with unemployment means the transportation costs for these extra classes are covered by the teachers, in their personal capacity.

As part of Business Connexion's flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) letmelearn initiative, two IT labs worth over R600 000 were officially handed over to the school on 22 February 2012. The labs, with 70 computers, will afford the 1 000 Matladi grade 8 - 12 learners access to new technologies, as well as give them Internet connectivity.

The investment includes two existing classrooms that have been converted to IT labs, and one existing lab that has been refurbished. In addition, the classrooms were repainted, light fittings were fixed and new furniture was added to create an environment conducive to learning. This new development means teachers at the school will now be able to teach the National Computer Aided Technology curriculum.

SA Sello, Principal of Matladi Project High School, says: “Through the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the classroom, teaching and learning is made more interesting for both educators and pupils. The donation of these IT labs by Business Connexion makes our work as educators easier. These computers are helping us to compile mark sheets and draw graphs to show students' performances individually and the class performance holistically.”

In a move to drive positive social connectivity through technology, Business Connexion's letmelearn initiative aims to empower young people to change their lives and ensure access to sustainable economic growth for individuals who need it most.

Benjamin Mophatlane, CEO at Business Connexion, says: “We understand the challenges faced by the country with regards to education and specialised skills. That is why we are committed to giving back to communities by grooming South Africa's future leaders. Our letmelearn initiative strives to combine business acumen, innovation and advocacy with an aim to spark a revolution for the youth, led by the youth,”

Before the IT labs were installed at Matladi, learning was also hindered by defective computer equipment and insufficient Internet access. The two IT labs have now not only made learning easy for students and educators alike, but have also helped in reducing stationery costs and enhanced administrative duties.

“Through letmelearn, we can reclaim the high-quality standard of our education by touching one school, one class and one young person at a time. We believe that technology can empower young people to not only change their lives for the better, but those of their communities as well. After all, technology is one of the key vehicles in assisting to unleash human potential,” adds Mophatlane.

In addition, the letmelearn schools' programme has seen Business Connexion implement IT labs at schools in the Free State, North West, Gauteng and Eastern Cape. For the Matladi project, Business Connexion worked closely with the community to ensure empowerment of the locals, by using local suppliers and technicians as service providers for non-IT related requirements.

“Since the arrival of the computers, everything is easy for me and my fellow learners. The Internet access that comes with the computers is allowing us to research information for different projects,” says Maja Gary, a grade 12 learner at Matladi High School.