Brand new computer lab to empower school

VODACOM, through the Vodacom Millionaires initiative, donated a fully equipped computer laboratory to Ntwanano Primary School in Burgersdorp on Thursday.

The school received 20 laptops for learners, one laptop for the teachers to use, an interactive white board, projector, a server, printer, cartridges and data, all valued at R170 000.

Vodacom Millionaires manager, Paula Carvalho Malekane, said the school also received a software for all different subjects.

She said all the teachers at the school will receive training and continue to receive support through a dedicated call centre and that the equipment will be maintained for two years after installation.

“As part of its commitment to provide technology and internet connectivity to communities, Vodacom, through the popular Vodacom Millionaires TV game show, which is broadcast every Tuesday evening on Etv, gives away fully equipped computer centres to schools across the country every month,” said Vodacom group chief officer for corporate affairs, Maya Makanjee.

Makanjee said the project is in line with Vodacom’s drive to help provide information and communications technology (ICT) tools and internet connectivity to communities that do not have access to this technology.

“By providing technology and access to internet services to improve the quality of education, we are able to uplift learners and teachers.”

Ntwanano principal, Gabaza Nkhwashu, said the school management first heard about Vodacom Millionaires through a former school governing body member and applied.

“This computer lab is a blessing because it will help to expose learners to technology and equip them with the skills needed in the real world,” said Nkhwashu.

The school’s computer centre manager, Alex Mathebule, said the new computers make learning and teaching interesting.

Vodacom Millionaires is now in its eighth year and has recently begun a process to retrofit the 282 schools that received computer centres in the past to ensure that they have up to date hardware and software.

These schools will now also each receive a teachers’ laptop with internet connectivity, an e-beam interactive white board and a projector.

Vodacom Millionaires encouraged all public schools that are in need of computer centres to apply. Application forms can be obtained from the Vodacom website or by calling the Vodacom Millionaires Call Centre at 082 24 32082; free for Vodacom subscribers.