'Technology bus' for rural pupils
Nkosana Makaula
28 July 2004
The Mbombela municipality in Mpumalanga province, in association with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, has launched a mobile training unit fitted with 10 laptop computers and a plasma screen to serve learners from poorer schools in the municipal area.
Selected learners will attend lessons in the specially designed bus, which will also be used for adult basic education and training classes for the broader community, and to train municipal officials and councillors.
"Far-flung areas do not always get adequate servicing", said Mbombela mayor Isaiah Khoza.
"The fact that some of the beneficiaries will be touching a computer for the very first time brings hope that the fires of learning will be sparked in their hearts and minds."
The project was initiated through a training agreement between the municipality and the Norwegian Association for Local Government.
It cost R600 000, and is one of eight training projects
that will be implemented in the Mbombela municipal area, which includes Nelspruit, White River, Hazyview, KaNyamazane, Matsulu and KaBokweni.
Norwegian Embassy representative Sten Andes Berge said the embassy had targeted the municipality to facilitate education because municipalities were the "building blocks of any society".
"These are positive undertakings, and we hope this effort will lead towards the communities achieving a higher level of academic awareness", Berges said.
The bus was provided by bus company Buscor, which will also maintain it. In return, it will be allowed to utilise the equipment to train its own employees.
Local learning officers will be appointed to identify candidates for training - whether they are from schools, the broader community or the municipality. The officers will suggest venues and dates for training sessions to the municipality.
MTN connects schools
Meanwhile, cellular service provider
MTN and the Mpumalanga government have launched a school connectivity project at Mpuluzi Secondary School in Mpuluzi near the Swaziland border.
MTN's Rudy Matjokana said the project, started in 2002, aims increase access to information and communication technology in rural schools.
The company has donated 10 computers and a copier machine, printer and scanner to Mpuluzi Secondary, one of 10 schools identified for the project.
Schools that have already benefited from the project include KaMhola at Barberton, Ithafa at Ermelo, Khutsalani at Kabokweni outside White River, Hlanganani at Nkangala, Mandlethu at KwaMhlanga, Kgatlanong at Ehlanzeni, Bongintsimbi at Witbank, and Kiri ya Tshwane at Secunda.
MTN has so far donated about R7-million to sustain the project, as well as a R21-million to establish multimedia centres in 90 schools throughout the country over the last three years.
Source: BuaNews
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