Picture: Manthe-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Obakeng Disability Centre
By REGINALD KANYANE
A group of students from the North West University (Potchefstroom campus) has partnered with the Obakeng Disability Centre in Manthe village, Taung in quest of introducing it to the digital world. Seolebaleng Mashodi who is a postgraduate (Diploma in Management) student at the university and a group leader said it is important for organizations to have a digital footprint.
Mashodi said having an online identity makes the organization unique.
“We were tasked to do a group assignment for Information and Management Systems module which required us to identify a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and introduce it to available technologies that would best put them in a better position to be more efficient and effective.
“We therefore chose to collaborate with Obakeng Disability Organisation given their technological needs. So, we have created social media platforms including a website. It is still a work in progress though,” she said.
Mashodi added that they have also created a new logo and a brochure for advertising. She said they have also assisted the organization to apply for funding from various financial institutions.
“We approached institutions such as the Open for Society of South Africa and Telkom foundation. However, a response was received from the Open for Society of SA that applications have closed for the period. Feedback from Telkom foundation has not been received.
“The project will continue beyond this stage to ensure that the organisation is fully capacitated in terms of using technology for different operations, including access to funding. We worked with people like Joram Mongalea who is a software developer. Mongalea is currently a Cloud Support Engineer based in Cape Town.
“We were also assisted by Taung-based photographer, Kenny Diloke with photography for the website content. With the introduction of the tools that we have created and developed for the NGO, we believe they will increase its marketing footprint and raise more awareness about Obakeng Disability Centre,” said Mashodi.
She said with all mechanisms in place, they expect the NGO to attract more funders or sponsorships. Mashodi added that the tools will also aid Obakeng Disability Centre to improve its brand identity and networking opportunities.
Meanwhile, the founder of the Obakeng Disability Centre, Lasita Tong said: “The centre was established back in 2001 and caters for more than 30 beneficiaries across Taung. I came up with the idea because many disabled persons are treated differently especially by communities. It was difficult in the beginning to establish the centre, but I soldiered on.
“As the founder of the centre, I am very grateful to see our significant growth over the years. Now, the centre has 27 beneficiaries and 21 volunteers. The aim was to uplift our disabled persons within our community. We are also grateful to receive assistance from a group of students from the North West University.”
Those who want to access the Obakeng Disability Centre can go to www.obakengdisabilityorganization.co.za or check their Twitter handle at @obakengdisorg
The Guardian 