There was joy all round when Air Liquide Large Industries (ALLI) handed over a computer lab with 41 laptops to Nhlabane Primary school in KwaMbonambi last Friday. The event at the rural school was attended by Department of Education Circuit Manager, Sthembiso Mqayi, Acting Inkosi Martin Mbuyazi and the Izinduna.

Air Liquide Silpa branch plant manager, Nthabiseng Sebelebele, said they  believe their contribution will enable local learners to develop digital skills at an early stage in their lives.

The construction of the computer lab started, and was completed in 2019. The project costs were in excess of R1-million over a period of two years, and  include the cost of refurbishment of the building and IT infrastructure,  including laptops, printers, projector, screens, sound and alarm systems, among others, said Sebelebele, speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of ALLI, Om Prakash.

She said quality education requires broad access to information and content, a medium for communication, and tools for analysing data. 

“The provision of digital infrastructure through the computer lab is the first point of access for learners to start their journey using digital technologies. But mere access does not guarantee learning. Research has shown that beyond just having the hardware and software, what is equally important is the ‘social envelope’, which is the technical and social support provided to children as they learn.”

“It is therefore essential to create socially conducive learning environments for learners and teachers, and provide professional development for the teachers. We will continue to work closely with the school principal and his staff to ensure technical support to the school.”

‘We will also ensure that the computer lab is equipped with data for access to the Internet and that a repair and maintenance plan is in place, so that students can optimally benefit from this facility,’ said Sebelebele

Air Liquide in the community

Sebelebele also appreciated the significant role played by Lulama Cele- Boughey and Shadrack Ntuli, directors of Empumelelweni, who had linked them to Nhlabane Primary.

“It is especially important for us as Air Liquide to make a meaningful difference in communities where we operate. Education support to surrounding communities, including school-based educational projects, early childhood development, rural school refurbishment, teacher training and tertiary education, is core to our societal commitments.”

The school principal, Ziphozonke Khumalo, said this computer lab means a lot to the entire Nhlabane community.

“Basically, we grew up during the time of traditional teaching where a teacher was only expected to stand before the class and teach. When a teacher had gone to attend school meetings or was off sick, we would miss his subject. ‘This existence of this computer lab helps us a lot, as we are able to use a Vodacom e-learning online program. All subjects are loaded in that program,” Khumalo said.

“The computer lab is fully functional. The response from learners is very good and their academic performance has drastically improved. We appreciate the contribution of Empumelelweni who  went out to find this donor for us,” school principal, Ziphozonke Khumalo, said.

Inkosi urges children to focus on studies

ACTING Inkosi of Mbuyazi tribal authority, Martin Mbuyazi, encouraged Nhlabane Primary School Grade 7 pupils to focus on their studies during the official opening of the school’s computer lab last Friday.

“Looking at the quality of these laptops, one can tell that Air Liquide is serious about this project. They have also included a maintenance plan which indicates that they know what they want to achieve.”

He also acknowledged the significant role played by the directors of Empumelelweni, Lulama Cele-Boughly and Shadrack Ntuli, who, he said, had a ‘heart for their community’.

During his talk to the pupils, Mbuyazi emphasised the importance of self-discipline, encouraging the pupils to focus on their studies. He has committed to providing school uniforms for the pupils in attendance.

“On my next visit, I want each one of you to show me what he or she has learnt, and I will provide you with a uniform,’ he said.

Focusing on the new equipment, Mbuyazi has urged the school governing body (SGB) to work with community members and leaders to ensure the assets are protected.

SGB chairperson, Themba Sibiya, confirmed the school is up to the task:

“I have taken it upon myself to ensure that the school is protected. I am also a member of the Community Policing Forum in the area, so I do patrols to reduce the chance of break-ins.”

The school HOD, Xolani Ntuli, said even though the school was located in a deep rural area, the contribution of Air Liquide placed it on par with urban schools.

“This world is influenced by technology. We are living in the fourth industrial revolution, which demands the use and knowledge of technology as everything is computerised. We are glad that our children are now able to utilise computers at primary school level,” said Ntuli.

“The contribution will not only assist our learners, but it will also help parents who pay extra cash to ensure their children can access computers at the town library. We are very grateful for this contribution,” he said.

One of the grade 7 learners, Mthethowenqiniso Mthethwa was ecstatic about the e-learning programme, adding that it was very easy to use and she could now listen to her tutor through earphones.

“The most advantageous thing about it is that we are able to revisit the subject now and again, up until we understand the whole exercise. We also conduct assessments through the system, and one does not need to wait for the teacher to know whether you have passed or failed. The assessment result is also not known to other pupils,” Mthethwa said.