By STAFF REPORTER
More than 70% of schools across the province will benefit from Information and Communication Technology (ICT) rollout programme. North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said since the entire world is moving fast towards the 4th Industralisation Revolution (4IR), plans are afoot to spend R12 million to connect 75% of schools through WiFi and broadband for learning in this financial year.
“This will be a significant leap from the current 25%, and we hope to reach 100% in the
2022 financial year. To that end, the department will provide internet connection to all Quintile 1 to 3 schools (836 in total) through WiFi and Broadband using fibre where available and mobile broadband.
“This will ensure that all learners (638 801) in these no-fee schools, that constitute 75% of our learner population are catered for. Following a feasibility study on the project, the department is now ready to go out on tender,” Matsemela said.
She further said the 4IR sector has prioritised the usage of ICT in schools. Matsemela added that during the 2020 academic year, Covid-19 disrupted teaching and learning in most of the schools across the country.
“In most areas, remote teaching and learning could not take place during the hard lockdown due to lack of resources. To mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the education system, the department has procured 30 292 tablets for Grade 12 learners and 1 198 laptops for Grade 12 teachers.
“The intervention is done with the view of enhancing teaching and learning in and outside the classroom environment. We should continue to appreciate the private sector that continues to work with us in ensuring that we provide quality education to learners at all times by building schools of high quality.
“I want to convey my sincerest gratitude to those mining houses that have collaborated on a 50/50 partnership with the department in building the schools infrastructure, namely, Royal Bafokeng Platinum, Samancor and Impala Platinum Mine,” said Matsemela.
She also applauded both MTN SA Foundation and Vodacom for their varied donations that included electronic gadgets, data and content to schools. Matsemela said this budget underpinned by consolidation of their work, and on guiding and deepening learning and teaching in this new era, where teaching extends beyond the classroom.
“However, we are ready to vigorously confront these persistent challenges within the basic education sector. This pandemic with all its challenges, has afforded the department an opportunity to build different and better schools. The process is expected to be concluded at the end of September 2021.
“Furthermore, to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on learning, the department provided a total of 30 292 tablets to the Grade 12 learners for interactive learning. Distribution per
District, is based on learner enrolment. Bojanala district received 11 907 tablets, Ngaka Modiri Molema received 8 243 tablets, while Dr Kenneth Kaunda received 4 870 tablets and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati received 5 272 tablets,” she said.
Meanwhile, www.4irsa.org.za website said: “The digital revolution – otherwise known as 4IR – has been identified by policymakers, researchers, global forums and the youth as one way to get youngsters ready for the future world of work. The World Economic Forum estimates that 65% of children entering primary school today will end up working in jobs that currently do not exist.
“To prepare pupils for these changes, the Basic Education Department has trained nearly 44,000 teachers in computer skills. In addition, the University of South Africa has partnered with the department by making its 24 ICT laboratories across the country available to train teachers in coding. From next year, coding as a subject will be piloted in 1000 schools. It is already being offered at some private schools.”
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