As part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide by providing tech-driver education, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Hon. Mondli Gungubele, today unveiled a state-of-the-art ICT Laboratory at Nyanga High School in the Eastern Cape.
The ICT Lab, built through the Telkom Foundation’s Connected Schools programme, is expected to empower more than learners, teachers and unemployed youth around the Engcobo with the ICT skills and devices they need to thrive in this increasingly digitalised world.
Telkom is the backbone of South Africa’s digital future through its network infrastructure which provides an unrivalled footprint of connectivity across the country, including in rural areas which are largely under-served. By driving digital connectivity through the country Telkom’s mission is to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s digital economy and we are delivering on this mission by connecting more businesses – big and small – as well as more schools, more homes and more individuals.
“Our aim is to help expand the establishment of smart schools. Since setting up the Connected Schools programme in 2017, we have supported over 7 000 high school learners and teachers in 21 schools across Eastern Cape and Gauteng,” says Dr Mmaki Jantjies, Group Executive: Innovation & Transformation at Telkom.
“It is a holistic approach that offers first-rate learner academic support, psychosocial support, and introduction to basic digital skills as well as maths, science and English education. At the same time, we are fast-tracking access to digital labs in rural communities,” Dr Jantjies adds.
The lab will strengthen the partnership between district education officials, subject advisors, teachers and school principals, in support of creating a caring environment for learners.
The lab will boast of the following equipment:
- The CAP devices, which give access to digital content through local WiFi connectivity, thus reducing the need for data.
- The N-Computing lab, which provide which provide efficient computing technology, while at the same time offering better manageability, power usage, security and performance.
- The Server, which stores, sends, receives and processes data, which includes setting access control and rights of users on the network. It also stores and gives access to additional educational content.
- The 65” interactive touch screens for classrooms, allowing teachers to broadcast and record lessons, as well as conduct interactive simulations in the classroom.
Minister Gungubele was accompanied by the Eastern Cape Premier Mr Oscar Mabuyane and MEC for Basic Education Mr Fundile Gage.
“The lab is envisioned to enhance teaching and learning in the school and also become a community resource for accessing digital skills through the internet connectivity that is provided in conjunction with the cyber lab infrastructure,” Dr Jantjies concluded.
