opening of a computer laboratory at Zamokuhle High School in Mathula Stand,
Groblersdal
16 October 2006
�Computers for school and community�
Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Limpopo MEC of Education
Mr Mahlangu, Chairperson, National Council of Provinces
Mr Namane Dickson Masemola, Executive Mayor, Greater Sekhukhume District
Mr Seloane Lionel, Elias Motsoaledi Municipal Mayor
Mr Mark Herryif, IBM Country General Manager
Parents, Teachers, and Learners
I am pleased to be here to mark the opening of this computer laboratory at
Zamokuhle High School .
This is an important occasion. Information communication technology (ICT)
skills are essential for every day functioning in the world of work and
leisure. Computers currently have a tremendous influence on the way in which we
communicate with each other.
The establishment of this computer laboratory is in line with government's
commitment to promoting the use of modern information and communication
technologies.
Zamokuhle High is situated in a rural development nodal point. The computer
lab will play an important part in addressing some of the challenges of
development.
It will familiarise learners with computers.
It will give learners access to information about the world.
It will encourage learners to read and write.
Information and communication technologies have opened up a variety of
possibilities for learning.
The use of ICT in education should not only focus on providing computer
literacy, drill and practice skills, but also explore the richness of
resource-based learning and creativity that ICT can offer.
Using ICT enables learners to work with an assortment of resources, to learn
through their experience of problem solving as they piece together information
strands to construct meaningful knowledge about a subject.
Although the computer laboratory will mainly be used to teach the subjects
Computer Application Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT), the
school should embrace the opportunity to maximise the potential of this
facility for both learners and teachers through careful planning and
management.
Our teachers need to be supported through access to useful materials � they
are pivotal to the improvement of the learning outcomes. Once the school is
connected to the Internet, I urge you to visit our national educational portal,
Thutong, for a wide variety of educational and curriculum resources.
We are profoundly grateful to IBM for partnering Zamokuhle High School in
this initiative.
This investment serves as a true demonstration of community spirit,
private-sector confidence, and interest in the well-being of our public
schools. No investment in the future of our country can equal or better an
investment in education. I must commend the principal, the teachers, the school
governing body and IBM for the spirit of good public-private partnership that
has made this laboratory a reality.
It is important and urgent that we all join hands in providing
infrastructure for skills development for young people.
Creating hope and meaningful opportunity for young people is a crucial
concern of government. It is an issue to which all responsible citizens need to
give serious and sustained attention. It is with this in mind that we wish to
draw on the knowledge, experience and resources of partners like IBM, to
achieve these ends.
It is, however, important to remember that collaboration between partners is
based on a common vision and is mutually beneficial.
Investment in schools should not only benefit the school but also the
community at large.
I want to emphasise that ICT should not only provide opportunities to
connect learners and teachers, but also for us as adults, as communities, as
government to work together.
Community engagement processes have two facets: namely a security facet and
a facet that promotes social inclusion and participation in the information
society.
From the security point of view, we must remember that the most secure and
vibrant schools are those that are valued and supported by the community. Vast
amounts of resources are needed for ICT infrastructure and all our efforts to
develop ICT capability are futile if these resources are not secure and
available when we need them. This computer laboratory belongs to us as a
community and we must therefore take responsibility for its security.
This computer laboratory also offers an ideal opportunity for community
exposure to ICT resources for the development of computer and Internet skills,
as well as experience regarding the advantages of ICT services.
I hope that the community will be invited to participate in the maintenance
and security of the school's ICT infrastructure, as well as to benefit
educationally from this initiative.
The opening of this laboratory creates the opportunity to make significant
changes to the way we teach and learn at this school.
I believe that with the best use of this laboratory, the foundations of
learning at the school will be strengthened and improved.
All of you are aware of the literacy and numeracy skills challenges that
confront many of our schools. Access to scientific knowledge is a further
challenge. The laboratory creates the opportunity for new approaches to
teaching, new material and greater independent learning by students at the
school.
One of the major strengths of new technology is that it creates a massive
bridge of the digital divide and allows accelerated erosion of disadvantage and
poor performance.
Optimal utilisation of ICTs provides us with one of the key opportunities
now available to improve our lives.
In conclusion, initiatives such as these give substance to many of the
ideals and visions of the Department of Education. With further support from
the community and the corporate sector, we can jointly address the challenges
that face us.
I wish Zamokuhle High School and the community every success with this
computer laboratory.
Thank you.
Issued by: Department of Education
16 October 2006
