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State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and industry partners establish e-learning centres in KwaZulu-Natal
28 July 2008
Minister for the Public Service and Administration (DPSA), Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, together with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and its partners from the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, today launched two e-learning centres at Buhlebemfundo Secondary and Albini High School in Durban.
The donation, which forms part of SITA's broader corporate social responsibility programme, aims to enhance the educational tools and facilities available to young learners from historically disadvantaged communities.
The donation to Buhlebemfundo Secondary and Albini High schools comprises computers from HP, software from Microsoft and Internet access from MTN. Printers were donated by Datacentrix, infrastructure from Bridging Technologies, with cabling, desks, chairs and ongoing maintenance and support provided by SITA. The monetary value of the e-learning solutions for both schools is over R260 000.
To support the e-learning solution, SITA will engage non-governmental organisations (NGOs) over a two-year period to provide teacher and student training. Training will include the smart use of ICT, focusing on the implementation of networks and equipment, as well as the use of innovative technological techniques, such as audiovisual, information processing and telecommunications. This is aimed at enhancing the education of learners for economic, social and cultural development. Minister Fraser-Moleketi is the government shareholder representative of SITA.
"Studies have repeatedly shown that a quality education produces higher calibre students," says Fraser-Moleketi. "This donation represents a collaborative effort to ensure that the learners at Buhlebemfundo Secondary and Albini High receive a sound educational foundation to facilitate in producing world class students from this very community.
"Buhlebemfundo and Albini learners and teachers must seize this opportunity and use it as a stepping stone to a better tomorrow. As a developing country, knowledge, a sound education and the effective use of technology, is the cornerstone of a vibrant, modern society," concluded Fraser-Moleketi.
For enquiries, contact:
Ramona Baijnath
Cell: 082 308 2666
Issued by: Ministry for Public Service and Administration
28 July 2008