Tech key to learner success

THE continuous provision of innovative technology in Gauteng schools is paramount for learners’ development and the country’s economy.

So said Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dikgang Uhuru Moiloa at the provincial School Readiness Programme in Katlehong Primary School in Ekurhuleni.

Moiloa said the Gauteng schooling system allowed for children to have the best innovative technology to compete with those in First World countries, and not be left out in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“Gauteng province is doing very well in the introduction of new technology in our schools with smart classrooms equipped with smartboards and tablets for every learner.

“We are ensuring that our children plough back into the economy by introducing schools of specialisation where they will focus on specific sectors regarded as scarce skills,” he said.

Moiloa added that the provincedriven School Readiness Programme was a great initiative that ensured that learners were attended to by teachers on the first day of schooling and that the resources needed were at the school.

He emphasised the importance of parental involvement in children’s schooling and ensuring that they were not exposed to elements that could hinder their future, including alcohol, drugs, vandalism and break-ins.

“We shouldn’t allow criminals to vandalise and break in to our schools. If we continue to allow these criminal activities to steal resources meant to benefit our future leaders and brightest minds, we will be a lost nation.

Moiloa was joined by the Minister for the Department of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, who expressed the same sentiments, saying it was important for pupils to fight the alcohol and drug scourge in schools.

“If we are going to build a brighter South Africa for the next generation, we must commit to fighting drugs, alcohol, pregnancy and bullying in our schools.”