The Kensington Solar Community Hub based at SHAWCO Centre was opened in 2014, and at the time was Dell’s first Lab in South Africa. The new health clinic features multi-purpose rooms for health screening and other services, enabled by Dell solutions.
Kensington residents now have access to free medical services following Dell Technologies and SHAWCO (Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation) initiative to add a health clinic to the solar learning lab.
Shawco is a student-run non-profit organisation (NPO) based at the University of Cape Town that seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals by offering various health services.
The Kensington Solar Community Hub based at SHAWCO Centre was opened in 2014, and at the time was Dell’s first Lab in South Africa.
The health clinic features multi-purpose rooms for health screening and other services, enabled by Dell solutions.
Caron Duncan, Centre Manager, says the medical clinic will offer a wide range of healthcare services and adds that every second Saturday UCT students will be available at the clinic to offer health services.
“At the hub we do clinics, and we have the computer lessons. We work with stakeholders in our area, and with the early childhood development centres so that they are able to do their work because we know that these days everything is digital.”
Duncan says the hub is available for various services.
“On the one side we have the clinic and on the other side a computer lab. People in the community can come to do their research, or if they need to create their CVs or do job applications. Learners can come and do their school projects. And if they need medical needs they can come to the clinic.”
The hub offers International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) certification, enabling members of the community to certify their computer skills to an internationally recognised standard and to become certified ICDL trainers.
Jackie Stewart, Executive Director of SHAWCO says: “This initiative has the potential to serve as a template for positive change, demonstrating what can be achieved in other regions of South Africa and on the broader Dell Giving map.
“We have a shared focus on the growth and impact of digital literacy and our commitment to closing the social fault lines in our country, especially in terms of access to technology and resources.”
Steward explains that residents can attend Summer School lectures broadcast from the University of Cape Town.
Natasha Reuben, Head of Transformation at Dell Technologies in South Africa, said: “SHAWCO is the ideal partner for this initiative and helps ensure the Kensington community can receive dignified healthcare.
“We are proud and excited to bring healthcare, education and social support to this community through the evolution of this programme.”
