Acer, in partnership with soccer team Orlando Pirates and the Gauteng Department of Basic Education (DBE), has opened a learning centre at Orlando stadium, in Soweto.
During a recent media briefing at the opening ceremony, Damien Durrant, country business manager for Acer Africa, spoke of how the institution aims to develop children's computer literacy, maths and science skills.
"We're bridging the gap between technology and basic education and we're hoping this institution will indicate that IT is an enabler for a better education where every interaction is ICT," he said.
The learning centre is equipped with Acer products as well as Internet access. Learners will be trained on various technology hardware and software, which will prove imperative when the scholars enter the workforce one day.
"At the moment, the centre is open to children from ages eight to 16, as we believe this is the best age to maximise IT and prepare them for the future. It is designed around the classroom experience and we're hoping to instil a passion for education in the young people's minds," he added.
Some of the devices supplied by Acer include all-in-one desktops, interactive projectors, interactive whiteboards and classroom manager software.
Orlando Pirates chief Irvin Khoza said: "I am extremely proud to be standing here today as my children call me BBC (born before computers); ours is a privileged generation to be granted such spaces as these to enhance their learning abilities to be able to compete among the best in the world."
"We believe that the future of education involves PCs and tablets and no longer just textbooks, SA has the capacity to find solutions to empower our children," he added.
In partnership with the DBE, the centre will include material from the current curriculum and will work closely with teachers.
"Teachers will select kids who have a proven interest academically to science and technology and will assist them to learn the basic skills so that when they reach tertiary levels they are just as qualified as learners from international schools, " said Enver Surty, deputy minister of the DBE.
According to Khoza, opportunities may arise for learners to become mascots at premier league matches. Certificates will be awarded to those who perform well in the programme, and teachers will be offered training sessions.
In conclusion, Surty said that, despite recent reports regarding undelivered textbooks in Limpopo, the situation had been resolved, and noted that the DBE is committed to raising the standard and quality of education in the country.
"Yes, there were textbooks that were not delivered on time, yet today every child receives a textbook on literacy and numeracy. Unless we mobilise our community and ensure our children go to school, we would not be able to transform our society," he said.
Currently, the centre is open to Soweto youth and will be open six days a week after school hours.
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