The public-private partnership between cellphone network giant MTN and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is an example of the fruits that come with 30 years of democracy.
The Democracy Bus recently made its way to the Western Cape and made a stop at Jan Kriel Skool in Kuils River, Cape Town, where MTN and the DBE were making sure that students received access to digital devices through MTN’s “Connecting Every Child” initiative.
Jan Kriel Skool focuses on teaching and training learners with special educational needs.
MTN’s “Connecting Every Child” initiative is a joint effort between the DBE and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT).
The programme aims to provide digital devices and educational content to schools in South Africa.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, attended the event.
“We visited the special schools together with MTN and Capital Centric. MTN donated mobile laptops, and we are quite pleased with the work that MTN has done in collaboration with the government,” said Deputy Minister Morolong.
The principal of Jan Kriel Skool, Gerrit Odendaal, said he was pleased to witness support and resources being given to the education sector, especially for special needs education.
“I think this is a sector that is often neglected… I think we need to give more attention and priority to our special needs learners, who are doing a wonderful job so far.”
General Manager for MTN in the Western Cape, Noluthando Pama, said there is no better investment than investing in the youth.
“We are quite proud of the work being done, and we wish to urge the private sector to continue doing a good job,” said Pama.
Deputy Minister Morolong also visited a number of schools that focuses on learners with special educational needs (LSEN), including Rusthof Primary, Oasis Special School in Belhar and Lathi-tha School of Skills in Khayelitsha.
Learners also received school shoes donated by First National Bank and Capital Centric.
The Chief Executive Officer of Capital Centric, Nathaniel Bricknell, said his organisation believes in sustainability, especially since it donated shoes made from recycled materials.
The last stop was Lathi-tha School of Skills, situated in Khayelitsha, where Deputy Minister Morolong was given a tour of the school, and learners who specialised in artisanal skills showcased some of their completed work.
The special school offers various types of skills, including, computers, woodwork, nail technology, hairdressing, welding and bricklaying.
“It is not just a school; it is a proper skills development centre. We are happy because these skills are needed out there,” said the Deputy Minister.
The Deputy Principal of Lathi-tha School of Skills, Thembela Hlela, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Minister during his visit, where he donated school shoes to the children and toured the school.
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