Vodacom, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Communications unveiled one of its 31 new information and technology (ICT) teacher centres in Kimberley today. The goal is to contribute to the transformation of teaching and learning through the use of technology and sees the expansion of the nine Vodacom ICT centres to forty, which are located across the country.

Through its mobile education programme, Vodacom has not only connected the ICT teacher centres, but has also equipped and connected a total of 893 schools country wide.

Teachers will be trained on the integration of ICT in the classroom. Fitted with the latest ICT hardware and software, including interactive white boards, internet connectivity and access to a dedicated teacher’s portal (www.digitalclassroom.co.za), the programme seeks to improve learner performance in mathematics and science. It also provides a platform for creating a community of teachers who can communicate to share ideas and resources.

Deputy Minister for Communications, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams says: “We are honoured to be part of this programme where Vodacom, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, has realised a gap in the market.

“Through this programme, educators will be empowered by the exposure to ICTs which will then enable them to impart valuable skills to learners. It is comforting to note that Vodacom seeks to ensure that in each district, there is at least one ICT resource centre which serves as a feeder for schools within that district; thus complementing our schools connectivity project. Indeed, as the country we do have a good story to tell. It is against this backdrop that we support these ICT resource centres, access centres and cyberlabs as they promote teaching and learning,” says the Deputy Minister.

Vodacom Chief Officer: Corporate Affairs and Chairman of the Vodacom Foundation, Maya Makanjee says: “This initiative focuses on teacher development, one of the most critical elements in the education value chain. This programme offers a model whereby South Africa can advance in the area of education through the effective use of communications technology.”

The centre has been fully equipped with a computer room housing 30 laptops, an interactive whiteboard, a data projector, a printer, an interactive solution, educational aids, internet connectivity and a training facility. The community will also have access to the centre and will be able to use the internet and make use of thee-learning content.

ENDS

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Issued: 23 April 2014

About Vodacom Foundation:

In South Africa, Vodacom established the Vodacom Foundation in 1999 as the primary vehicle for implementing the company’s Corporate Social Investment initiatives.

With its primary focus on education and health, the Vodacom Foundation identifies and supports sustainable projects that help counter social deprivation. These projects provide a channel through which the company shares its profits with the communities in which it operates.

Through the Vodacom Foundation, the company is able to provide a single entry point to respond to the various requests for social development support it receives on a regular basis.