MTATHA – Learners at two rural and one urban Eastern Cape schools now have cutting-edge technology and the world at their fingertips, thanks to pupils and parents who nominated inspirational teachers to receive a mobile iPad laboratory from General Motors South Africa (GMSA).
Putuma Junior Secondary School in Xhora, Elliotdale, Holy Cross High School in Mthatha, and Nanaga Primary outside Port Elizabeth each received a R200 000 iPad laboratory in the initiative by Teachers for Change and iSchoolAfrica, sponsored by GMSA.
Guided by the belief of “Driving a better tomorrow,” GMSA Corporate Communications Manager, Gishma Johnson said that bringing technology to the classroom can contribute to building confident and smarter individuals. “These learners will now have access to the internet and apps for mathematics and science right inside their classroom.”
The donation came as part of a media competition where teachers who go beyond their call of duty to help learners succeed, could be nominated to win the prize of an iPad laboratory.
Holy Cross High School learner Sichumile Dumalisile nominated her “hero”, Miss Bongiwe Sokutu, who teaches English and runs the school debate team. Through her tutoring, its members have competed in international competitions as far afield as Tanzania, Jamaica and Romania, and received bursaries for tertiary studies. She also runs the school’s environmental club and has been instrumental in the school’s fund-raising and community outreach initiatives.
“Whenever you are in need, just depend on Miss Sokutu to save the day,” Sichumile said.
Farmer’s wife and parent Danelle Steyn nominated Nanaga Primary principal Rianda van Niekerk, who started the school serving the farming community about 50km east of Port Elizabeth. From small beginnings as a pre-school on her farm, Van Niekerk built the school up into a registered independent school with five classrooms, in the grounds of Nanaga Methodist Church, offering pre-school and classes from Grade R to Grade 5.
Steyn said the principal and grade 4 teacher had made a substantial difference in the lives of the children of the area, who no longer have to be sent to boarding school at the age of 6. In addition she helps the broader community through fund-raising and community events such as sports days involving other nearby schools.
Grade 4 learners at Putuma Junior Secondary School in Xhora, Elliotdale in the former Transkei nominated their English teacher Miss Nosicelo Matandabuzo. This enterprising teacher often uses her cellphone as an educational resource as the classroom walls are too dilapidated for hanging up posters.
Matandabuzo, referred to as the “The pillar” of the school’s 1 100 learners, ensures they receive meals before school, has built up a personal library which she makes available to the learners for reading improvement, and with a local NGO runs a literacy programme for the Foundation Phase learners.
The iPad Lab consists of 20 iPads, a MacBook laptop and data projector, all stored in a secure, mobile case that is easily moved between classrooms. “We are excited about the iPad project as it aims to empower teachers and learners through access to advanced educational technology, with the interactive apps proven to encourage students to become more motivated, engaged and independent in their learning,” said Johnson.
Through the Teachers for Change initiative, the winning schools also receive training and facilitation from iSchoolAfrica in the use of the technology; textbooks, study guides and e-books from Oxford University Press; and participate in the Oxford Focus School Project with benefits such as teacher training workshops. The winning teachers each received their own iPad and become part of the iSchoolAfrica iPad community where they can share skills and best practice.