Dimension Data handed over four e-learning machines to Ntsika Secondary School on Friday afternoon.\
Dimension Data handed over four e-learning machines to Ntsika Secondary School on Friday afternoon.\
Sibusiso Buthelezi, BEE Compliance General Manager of the information technology company, said the handover was largely due to the persistent efforts of the school principal, Madeleine Schoeman. He said that Schoeman approached him about the prospects of securing donations of the e-learning machines at a similar ceremony in May when he was in Grahamstown to hand over two such machines to the Khutliso Daniels School.
Buthelezi explained that each e-learning machine took the form of a metal trolley box containing its own server, keyboard, projector, amplified speakers and an antenna. The server was fully loaded with a substantial amount of learning material, including past exam papers for grades 10, 11 and 12.
He said that Dimension Data will remotely monitor usage of the four machines on a daily basis. He said he hopes that the machines will be put to good use and that they do not become white elephants.
Rhodes University deputy vice-chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela underlined Buthelezi’s positive words about Schoeman saying that “Ntsika is fortunate to have an absolutely amazing principal in Madeleine Schoeman”. He noted that she had a very comfortable and prestigious job at Victoria Girls’ High School in Grahamstown west, but that she chose to come to a school where there are far more serious challenges.
Addressing the small ceremony at the school, Mabizela said that “this afternoon is about the future of our country”. He then quoted a former ANC president, Oliver Tambo, who once said that “a nation that does not invest in its youth does not deserve a future”.
He said that companies do not donate things simply for the sake of donating, but they are rather making an investment. He therefore urged teachers and pupils at the school to make their own investment in the future of this country.
Mabizela remarked that while it was wonderful to have the four new e-learning machines, the machines in themselves would not ensure success. He said that in order to have a successful education system we need hard-working teachers.
He said that under the leadership of Schoeman, Ntsika school should become a beacon of hope.
