Rinchi
TechInAfrica – The Vodacom Foundation in conjunction with other entities such as the Department of Basic Education, Nelson Mandela Foundation, UN Women and Global Citizen, have presented a new education ecosystem in Vhembe District, Limpopo on last March 22nd.
The new education ecosystem launched with the main purpose to support local communities, especially in rural areas. Through the education ecosystem, the Vodacom Foundation shows its support education and invests in technological innovations to foster the skills that are needed now as well as in the future.
Takalani Netshitenzhe, Chief Affairs for Vodacom Group, remarked: “Big corporates such as Vodacom exist as a part of society that is dogged by high levels of inequality and poverty. Therefore it is our obligation to partner with the government and non-governmental organizations to come up with solutions to deal with some of the socio-economic problems plaguing our society today. Our new education ecosystem can be located within the context where we are using our expertise in ICTs to come up with modern solutions to assist the government to achieve its vision and key priorities.”
She highlighted, “Through our education ecosystem, we will be addressing many of the socio-economic challenges faced by communities. In many of the marginalized and rural communities, educational institutions and facilities are poorly resourced, the infrastructure is falling apart, and there is no access to technology or any other educational resources. In the Vodacom supported communities, we will be working in partnership with government, civil society, and the communities to ensure that we address some of these challenges.”
Along with the education ecosystem, Vodacom has also established 12 schools of excellence and 15 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centers. These are part of Vodacom’s commitment to improving the quality of education, especially for underserved communities.
Among the 15 ECD centers, there is Divhani Community Crèche chosen for renovation and upgrade. Vodacom has replaced pit latrines with appropriate sanitation and a borehole, as well as a mobile library.
Besides Divhani Community Crèche, Vodacom has also renovated Divhani Primary School and the Frank Ravele Secondary School. More specifically, it replaced the schools’ pit latrines with more proper sanitation.
As for the Frank Ravele Secondary School, Vodacom has also provided a fully equipped and connected computer lab that contains 60 computers. Furthermore, they also have installed security systems, replaced broken windows and doors, as well as fixed collapse ceilings.
“We do all this because we believe in the sustainable education system and good quality education using ICTs. We believe computer labs will facilitate the creation not only of a reading nation but a digitally literate nation. We appeal to the parents and community led by the chief to help us to safeguard all the facilities. These are your facilities – not just Vodacom facilities or Vodacom supported facilities,” Netshitenzhe said.
