A Tembisa primary school has embraced a new e-learning platform specifically developed for South African pupils by a local ed-tech business.
The Phuthumani Primary School received new Omang e-learning devices developed by Odin Education to coincide with Youth Month.
The sponsorship by the Sage Foundation, in partnership with the Attacq Foundation, represents a 3-year commitment to equip 196 learners with digital learning tools they need to progress successfully through to Grade 7.
The sponsors said it forms part of a holistic programme to support the school, which includes building three new classrooms, the donation of 125 pairs of school shoes and uniforms and the renovation of 10 classrooms which is under way.
According to Phuthumani Primary deputy principal Thando Mbelwa, most of the school’s 1400 learners are from poverty-stricken families and rely on the national school nutrition programme for one nutritious daily meal.
“I am passionate about using ICT (information and communications technology) to enhance education. Technology plays a big role in teaching and we are currently far behind,” said Mbelwa.
He said learners and teachers were excited to receive the Omang devices as the system would allow teachers to share essential resources and learners to do more of their own research.
Each learner received a personalised device pre-loaded with mobile data, curriculum-aligned content, educational apps and learning platforms.
“This programme will make a significant contribution to digital inclusion and equity by supporting ICT-powered learning at Phuthumani Primary School where, until now, learners were excluded from the benefits of digital technology in the classroom.
“It’s important to Sage to tackle digital inequality to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to access life-changing data and technology,” said Sonia Tshabalala, people director for Sage Africa and the Middle East.
The partners added that the devices are locked for educational purposes only and they do not provide access to public social media platforms.
We believe that bringing technology into schools will bring a positive change as learning will not be limited by time and space,” said Attacq Foundation transformation manager Danny Vermeulen.
“The integrated technology will contribute to successful results in the classroom by supporting learners and teachers.”
Head of Odin Education, Ajit Gopalakrishnan, said the commitment of corporate partners was key to ensuring the roll-out of digital devices to more schools countrywide.
“This programme has a real, measurable impact. It offers a win-win solution for both under-resourced schools and those corporates looking to invest sustainably in their communities while improving their B-BBEE scorecard,” Gopalakrishnan said.
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