Fifty schools in Gauteng have become the latest recipients of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) equipment that will ensure effective teaching and learning in the province.
The equipment, donated by Old Mutual SA Limited, will assist the Gauteng Department of Education in its drive to ensure that more learners in the province have access to a wealth of information relating to their curriculum needs through the use of ICT.
Schools were given overhead data projectors, laptops, modems and USBs.
Over 165 schools in Gauteng have thus far benefitted from the programme, in the past three years.
MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi encouraged businesses to work with the department.
“As we enter the fourth industrial revolution, it is vital that we use ICT to improve the economy. We need to use education to solve social ills. I shall only rest the day the number of social grants are lower and the number of graduates higher,” said MEC Lesufi.
He urged principals to embrace ICT and communities to protect and support the schools.
“Protect what Old Mutual has given us; ICT is the future,” he said.
The project, now on its third year, is part of the Corporate Social Investment initiative by Old Mutual to support the departmental vision of paperless classrooms.
Clarence Nethengwe, the General Manager Distribution at Old Mutual, applauded MEC Panyaza Lesufi for his introduction of ICT in schools.
“Our company is witnessing the good things that the department is doing. Old Mutual will continue to support initiatives that seek to advance education,” he said.
Nicholas Chauke and Margaret Phalane, principals of Modiri Technical High School and Pretoria Secondary School respectively, praised the department and Old Mutual for giving them the “tools” to do their work efficiently.
*Jeff Mmope works for the Gauteng Department of Education.
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