Two schools welcome mobile digital library donation in Thokoza
Astron Energy and Rura Tech partnered to donate the MDL with at least 40 tablet devices along with a printer, offline server and a teacher's laptop.
Simunye Primary and Landulwazi Comprehensive schools now have access to a mobile digital library.
Astron Energy (AE) and Rura Tech (RT) partnered to donate the equipment for the libraries, which included 40 tablet devices along with a printer, a server loaded with content and a teacher’s laptop.
Representatives from the Gauteng Department of Education attended the event along with the Ekurhuleni District of Education, SGB members and principals from neighbouring schools.
RT business development manager Jeffrey Katuruza told learners that their days of asking their parents for money to buy data are over.
He said the digital library has an open server that is loaded with content for the learners; however, learners cannot take the devices home, and can only use them while at school.
“What you have to do is request a tablet, then search for the content and print a hard copy so that you can continue with your research at home,” said Katuruza.
“The library can move from one class to another. The average class has 35 learners so each should have a tablet to use for a specific time,” he said.
“The learners will be able to learn to use Microsoft Office products like Word and Excel. The tablets have been pre-installed with Cred Junior, a software you can use to learn how to code to design a programme like WhatsApp.”
The principal of Simunye Primary School, Ellen Shongwe, said the donation means a lot to them.
“It will take our learners to another level. It came at a time when all of us are forced to become more technologically savvy.
“I think from today, our learners will not be the same again because they will accumulate ICT skills that will help enable them to compete globally,” said Shongwe.
Shongwe said the school previously had a computer lab but it was no longer using it because of connection issues. The school had to convert the lab into a classroom as it needed more space for learners.
AE representative Bongani Tito said companies have a role to play in helping shape and build communities.
He said companies need to be entrenched within the society, community and people.
“We task people who operate our sites, like Hlamalala Simande, with the responsibility to make a difference in the community.
“Simande will be part of the school because she will operate the Caltex Garage site, which is behind the school,” he said.
