MTN invests to aid eager young minds

LEARNING in two Mthatha schools is set to improve now that each has a high-tech multimedia centre.

St Johns College and Ngwayibanjwa Senior Secondary School, both previously disadvantaged schools, are the latest beneficiaries of a long-standing partnership between the MTN SA Foundation, and the Centre for Public Service and Innovation (CPSI).

Yesterday both schools received their computer labs complete with network wiring for easy internet access.

MTN’s Angie Maloka said these computer labs were established with the intention to bridge the digital divide that exists between pupils from Model C schools and those who are not.

“We want to build technology savvy communities, so as a technology driven company ourselves we are sort of investing in these schools because we want these pupils to go and study engineering... but we need them to first learn the basics before they get to varsity,” said Maloka.

“These schools are doing very well, so we are also giving them these labs as a way to say keep up the good work but here is an extra tool to help you do even better,” she said.

Each lab has more than 21 desktop computers, full ICT infrastructure that includes a Wi-Fi Router and local area network (LAN) for speedy internet connectivity as well as an interactive smart board for the teachers.

Maloka said training was also provided for teachers from both schools, and that they were awarded certificates of competency afterwards.

“We ensure that the teachers are able to care and use the infrastructure. We will also monitor these schools for 12 months,” said Maloka.

Department of education MEC Mandla Makupula said they appreciate the innovation because it will change the pupils’ learning abilities.

Grade 12 pupil Aphiwe Majozi said she was happy she will no longer spend money researching schoolwork at internet cafes.