The need for connectivity is high says ORT
HOUGHTON – A new drive to help South African learners cross the digital divide has been launched by the educational non-governmental organisation.
ORT SA in Houghton continues to support disadvantaged learners with help from the community.
A new drive to help South African learners cross the digital divide has been launched by the educational non-governmental organisation. The drive is called ORT2Connect the Unconnected. Through the drive, ORT SA is urging the public to donate devices that are no longer being used.
“Lack of infrastructure and connectivity, along with lack of resources, including devices like smartphones, tablets or laptops, is widening the gap between privileged and less privileged communities,” said Ariellah Rosenberg, ORT SA’s CEO.
“The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown highlighted the fact that South Africa is far from ready for online learning, especially for township and rural schools. It is estimated that just 10 per cent of South African households have direct access to the Internet.”
Founder of World Wide Worx and a veteran analyst of connectivity in SA, Arthur Goldstuck, pointed out that the lockdown period highlighted the need for connectivity for all. Goldstuck was also named ORT SA’s Honorary IT Ambassador in 2019.
Rosenberg continued, “Almost 4 000 teachers and learners have attended ORT SA Coding clubs and we must, by all means, try to continue these clubs through remote, online learning.”More than 1 000 youth are in ORT skills development programmes and some are learning digital skills such as IT Bridging courses. Our mission is to help make people employable, at the same time as creating employment opportunities.”
According to ORT SA, there is a pressing need to help those in townships and rural areas to connect to the Internet, in fields ranging from maths to coding to IT skills to work experience.” This is critical to the future of our country. We are calling on the public to help us to fast track equality in education,” the CEO said.
ORT SA is also partnering with Computerlab which, together with HP and other partners, has launched a device programme for the underprivileged. It will use the expertise across these organisations to repair devices, as well as install software and sort out-licensing.
Details: Monetary donations can be made at www.ortsa.org.za/donations. Those who wish to donate digital devices can call Nelly at 011 728 7154 or email nelly@ortsa.org.za to arrange drop off.
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