International non-profit organisation Infinite Family has opened a video lab at Tsogang Sechaba in Soweto. This will connect children affected by HIV/Aids and poverty to mentors from around the world via video technology.
Founder Amy Conrad Stokes says Infinite Family expands opportunities for vulnerable children by improving their communications, life, academic, technology and work skills through face-to-face relationships with video mentors worldwide.
Stokes hopes the results experienced at the other existing labs - two group homes and two after-school programmes with outreach to Berea, Alexandra township, Lanseria, and three informal rural settlements - will soon be felt by the local Sowetan community.
“Early evaluations point to children's clear gains in English, computer literacy, self-confidence, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills,” offers Stokes. “To date, more than 200 tweens and teens have increased their technology, academic, and life skills via these direct relationships,” she adds.
"Strong partnerships are integral to the success of each of these centres and we have been blessed with the best," says Stokes. "Currently the computer labs are jointly equipped and managed with our local NGO partners, who choose the tween and teen Net Buddies from their local communities.
“On the technology side, local converged communications service provider Internet Solutions provides the high-speed satellite Internet connections; Dial-a-Nerd installs and maintains computers in the labs; Bombardier Transportation sponsors the computer labs, employee mentors and a career development programme; and apart from our global mentors, IBM SA has started an employee mentorship programme," states Stokes.
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