Game-changing gift brings computers to St James Primary
St James Primary School in Greyville receives its first-ever computers in a life-changing donation from Maris Stella School.
WHAT was an idea has turned into reality for St James Primary School in Greyville who were flooded with pure joy upon receiving 15 computers from Maris Stella School on Thursday.
The donation was born out of a chance meeting between Maris Stella School principal Steven Ireland and St James Primary School principal Noel Moodley at a rugby game. According to Moodley the gift was a ground-breaking milestone for the school that has never had computers since inception in 2007.
“The learners during class would use the teacher’s laptops and cellphones to get digital access to do homework and assignments,” said Moodley, who highlighted that St James Primary was founded as a non-governmental organisation private no-fee paying school.
“We didn’t cope, as the school doesn’t have fees for facilities, as well as fees for equipment, and that’s where the donation sponsorship helps us,” explained Moodley.
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This sponsorship is set to change the lives of the learners by equipping them with essential computer skills and introducing them to useful tools like artificial intelligence. With an attendance of 154 learners the media centre will be able to bridge the gap.
Maris Stella School was given a heartfelt welcome that was accompanied by vibrant thank you cards that were lovingly crafted by learners, radiating their sincere appreciation to Ireland.
“Every year we come up with the theme in the school. This year’s theme is ‘building bridges’ and it is a direct result of what we see, building something practical for somebody else,’’ said Ireland.
Joy erupted on the children’s faces when they laid their eyes on the computers, their smiles bursting forth, and the moment their fingers touched the keyboards, sparks of entertainment were ignited in the school. Ireland said such donations foster stronger relationships and pave the way to future collaborations between the schools.
“As Maris Stella we will also ask permission to come to St James to run a whole day retreat at their church, and that is when they will assist us, as it is not a one way thing,” said Ireland.
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