A new mobile computer centre will soon boost learning at Sunderland Primary School in Factreton.
The school recently won the Vodacom Millionaires Mobile Computer Centre Competition.
The competition aims to provide rural and underprivileged schools with access to technology.
The installation and training of the donated mobile computer centre will be done by IT Master, Vodacom’s appointed supplier.
Morongwa Nyandoro, Project Manager for IT Master, says the R175 000.00 prize comprises of a trolley with 20 two in one tablets for the learners, an additional educator’s laptop attached to the trolley, educational software, a printer, server, interactive board and a projector.
Nyandoro says the official handover of the prize will take place soon.
Edward Rabie, principal at the school, says he entered the competition in 2019 as there was a need for more computers.
“When I arrived at the school in 2017, the computer room was non-functional. So, I had all old tables removed and refurbished the staff room and made a computer room just for the teachers. With the help of Garden Cities we got a new computer lab. So, we have a computer lab.”
Rabie explained he was elated on receiving the news that the school had won the competition.
“On Tuesday afternoon (31 May) when I got home I checked my phone and saw the email from Vodacom. I called them immediately just to confirm it wasn’t a hoax, and the woman I spoke to confirmed it.”
Rabie says the mobile centre will serve as a support resource for the school, which is currently experiencing difficulties due to a shortage of quality teaching resources.
He says the more than 1 200 learners attending the school travel as far as Joe Slovo, Delft, Dunoon, Khayelitsha, Maitland and Langa.
The principal says many of the children are faced with challenges such as shooting and gangsterism, and says the lab will enhance their learning experience.
“We are excited. Our kids come from disadvantaged areas so our kids will be exposed to more things now. There are educational programmes included in the package. So, it will greatly benefit the learners.”
He says currently they are using the green shoots educational programme which assists with English home language and maths for grades three and six.
But he says the mobile lab will be used by all grades.
“With the new mobile centre, the other grades can also be involved. We will work out a timetable how the mobile lab will move from class to class. The teachers will be trained for six hours over two days on how to use the equipment.”
Rabie says the school is also in need of donations for bricks to beautify the Grade 1 play area.
“We always welcome donations and currently the play area for grade one’s need to be paved. If parents or anyone want to support this cause they can contact the school.
- To donate email sunderlandprimary@gmail,com
