Internet access could be a marvellous tool to help improve the quality of education in the Eastern Cape, and now a company that aims to bring basic internet access to rural and under developed schools has made its first mark on the province.
Internet access could be a marvellous tool to help improve the quality of education in the Eastern Cape, and now a company that aims to bring basic internet access to rural and under developed schools has made its first mark on the province.
Since August, pupils at 17 provincial schools have been able to surf the web, check emails, access online encyclopaedias, and gain access to other online educational tools – thanks to the Streetwise device. As first reported on by Grocott’s Mail in January, The Content Company aimed to bring internet connectivity to the more than 18 000 schools in South Africa that currently operate offline.
This goal has been achieved with Streetwise – a small device that resembles a laptop computer. Ian Harrison, CEO of The Content Company, that developed the software for Streetwise, said that the device is ideal because it doesn't need a fixed internet connection, good access to power, fancy infrastructure or significant technical support.
"The devices have been designed to operate under the worst of conditions and, because they communicate via GPRS, they work everywhere,” said Harrison.
No Grahamstown schools have yet come into contact with Streetwise, but schools in nearby areas that have become involved reported favourably. Principal Mo Gxoyiya, of Cookhouse Secondary School said that while they have only had the machines for a few weeks, “it’s a very good effort to get learners engaged”.
The Grade 11 and 12 pupils who have had access to them are responding well, said the principal, but Gxoyiya hopes to have everyone in the school using them soon. Another principal, Eldred Prince from John Bisseker High in East London, described the units as “an ideal way of bringing technology into the school".
He also said that they are very simple to use, which is a bonus because the pupils can figure out how to use them on their own. The school was therefore able to install the machines in the library, ensuring that all students had access to them. Harrison is pleased that his company has found a foothold in the Eastern Cape, but acknowledges that there is much more work to be done.
“Streetwise provides internet access in a safe, appropriate, reliable, sustainable and cost effective manner,” he said, “we definitely plan to roll this out into other schools.” The 17 devices were donated to schools in the province by the MultiChoice Fort Hare Inkwenkwezi Trust, and the Streetwise project relies heavily on corporate sponsorship to function.
Schools that are interested in the project and companies wishing to get involved as sponsors can contact Harrison at 082 990 1949, or by email at ian.harrison@psitek.com
