VUMATEL PROVIDES FREE CONNECTIVITY TO SCHOOLS
V umatel is rolling out free uncapped open access fibre optic infrastructure to every Primary and High school passed during the deployment of its network. Each school receives a 1 Gigabit per second line and can choose from a variety of Internet service providers for free uncapped connectivity.
Vumatel piloted this initiative with Greenside High, Hoërskool Linden, and Parkhurst Primary. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the pilot, Vumatel has connected almost 40 schools to fibre and aims to connect another 40 in 2017.
The installation of fibre at the St Vincent School for the Deaf has made a significant impact on the learners, as told by their principal Ingrid Parking. She said:“ Teaching deaf learners by means of iPads and Smartboards is far more effective than the previous methods, as these are visual learning tools. Having fibre optic Internet connectivity has enabled teaching and learning at a speed previously unimagined, and has vastly improved the output of work in general.”
Sanjeev Maharaj, the principal of Parkhurst Primary, speaks of the impact that Vuma fibre has had in his school. In 2014, The Click Foundation introduced an e-learning literacy programme to the school called Reading Eggs.“ Since introducing the fibre connection, we have found that the children are getting through more lessons, more quickly.”
“ The introduction of this e-learning tool has also changed the way children learn computer skills.”
FIBRE
The Click Foundation has seen such success in the programme at Parkhurst Primary since the introduction of improved connectivity, that they have donated an additional 20 computers to the school.“ Without adequate connectivity,” says Sanjeev,“ none of this would be possible.”
This programme contributes to the enrichment of learning English at the school. Most of the students do not speak English at home and only get exposure to the language at school. The majority of the pupils are from Alexandra and Soweto, with the remaining from the inner city and surrounding suburbs. The fact that they can access this literacy platform is extremely enriching for their English education. The Click Foundation has also found that when comparing children of the same level and demographics, the students at Parkhurst Primary are able to get through their lessons faster and more seamlessly.
“ The introduction of this e-learning tool has also changed the way children learn computer skills,” says Sanjeev.“ Previously, the focus was on computer literacy. Now, the focus is on learning, and computer literacy comes naturally as a byproduct.”
Vumatel aims to provide free high-speed connectivity to approximately 80 schools this year. Niel Schoeman, the CEO of Vumatel, insists it is vital to connect our children to the information age.“ Vumatel challenges other providers to follow our lead and support education in South Africa,” he said. ■
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