News

Closing the digital divide for school learners

Preloved computers help tech-enable children for the future
Tuesday, February 7 2023

Growing up without access to computers can limit the opportunities available to children and curtail their dreams. A donation of 30 computers to registered non profit social enterprise One on One Community Based Programmes from the Netcare Foundation is helping to close the digital divide for learners at a primary school and a high school in Limpopo Province.

“The donation of these computers means so much because the school has now been technologically enabled, opening up greater potential for children to benefit in other areas of their education too,” says Doc Sethole, director of One on One Community Based Programmes.

“With a computer lab, Mamaolo Primary School in Chuenespoort, Polokwane and Ebenezer High School in Mahwelereng, Mokopane are now equipped for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics [STEAM] approach to developing children’s knowledge and curiosity through these channels.”

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Computer lab Ebenezer High: Ebenezer High School in Mahwelereng, Mokopane, recently received a donation of computers from the Netcare Foundation through non profit social enterprise One on One Community Based Programmes. The second hand computers are helping to equip the learners with essential skills for their future career choice, and opening up greater potential for children to benefit in other areas of their education too.
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Doc Sethole and Mrs Emily Sello: Doc Sethole, director of One on One Community Based Programmes (left), is pictured with Mrs Emily Sello, principal of Mamaolo Primary School in Chuenespoort, Polokwane, which also received computers donated by the Netcare Foundation. With the computers, both schools are now equipped for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics [STEAM] approach to education.

 

One on One Community Based Programmes aims to empower the next generation through education and health at instructional or education level with holistic interventions, including building schools’ capacity in gateway subjects maths and science.

“The whole of society has a role to play, and a stake in, empowering today’s children to shine to their fullest potential in future. Bridging the digital divide is essential for learners who would like to further their studies with a view to either working in the engineering, actuarial, natural sciences, information technology and medical fields,” Sethole says.

“We are humbled to be of service to the community through the donation to One on One Community Based Programmes, and are pleased that the children will now have access to the tools to learn how to use computers, which is especially critical to help address youth unemployment,” says Sharlene Swart, corporate social Investment projects and funding manager.

“We hope these computers will serve as a springboard for future opportunities for the children and their communities,” she concludes.

For more information about One on One Community Based Programmes or to make a donation, please visit https://oneononecom.co.za/ContactUs.aspx, alternatively you may email the organization for more information at [email protected].  The project is open to public private partnerships, and One On One Community Based Programmes will issue a Section 18A Certificate in its capacity as a Public Benefit Organisation in favour of all private sector commitments or donations for tax rebate purposes.

Ends

Notes to editor

Looking for a medical appointment? Netcare appointmed™ will make appointments for YOU with specialists practising at Netcare hospitals, GPs and dentists at Medicross medical and dental centres, and specialists at Akeso mental health facilities. Simply request an appointment online at www.netcare.co.za/Request-a-medical-appointment or phone Netcare appointmed™  on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays between 08:00 and 17:00.
 
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For media enquiries, contact MNA at the contact details listed below.

Issued by:    MNA on behalf of the Netcare Foundation
For media enquiries contact:    Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster and Clementine Forsthofer
Telephone:      (011) 469 3016
Email:    [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]