Gauteng Offline November 15, 2008

Posted by Andrew Barrett in : Computer Literacy, Schools , add a comment

Gautengonline is an ambitious and sorely needed programme run by the Gauteng Department of Education to equip every school in the province with a 25-station computer lab. The problem is that simply installing computers and IT-infrastructure does not automatically translate into effective and meaningful lessons for school learners.

Notwithstanding the paralysing bureaucracy that accompanies this project there is also inadequate teacher training, support and assistance with incorporating this technology into the teaching curriculum – expecially given that most teachers in our poorer schools are themselves computer illiterate. All we’re left with is an expensive outlay for non-existant outcomes and continued complaints about being under-resourced.

This computer lab in the photo above has been installed for over a year and there is yet to be a lesson conducted for learners. Similarly, on a visit to a nearby primary school, the computer lab was opened for the first time that week to show me around.

Should we be marching or something?

A Saturday Morning to Change the World August 26, 2008

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Last week Siyakhula hosted a workshop facilitated by the Resolve Group who led a group of Grade 12 learners (selected from those who attend our Supplementary Tutoring Programme) through ‘An Introduction to the Workplace’ workshop. Topics included: workplace etiquette; job-seeking suggestions; c.v. tips; telephone skills; interview techniques; and basic business manners and expectations. The sessions were lively, dynamic, energetic and characterised by the enthusiastic and active engagement of the learners. It was great to allow oneself to be moved by the infectious desire of young people to learn and to view the world and the future as one brimming with possibility.

Its difficult however not to feel burdened by the reality that the majority of these kids will be desperately underprepared and under-educated when they leave school. In fact, it is difficult not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the schooling crisis – and it is a crisis! How can we make real the conviction that “how things are is not how things have to be”? Could we do worse than tapping into the idealism of these young people and allow a forward-looking worldview to shape our response?

For me, our response begins on a Saturday morning. Why don’t you join us between 10:00 and 11:30 at siyakhula and meet the kids? Maths and Science skills would be particularly beneficial but we are not Maths and Science machines and there are many other ways to connect with each other in growing our world and helping mend this universe.

Midrand’s Digital Divide April 22, 2008

Posted by Andrew Barrett in : Computer Literacy , 1 comment so far

The fact that you are reading this blog posting means that YOU are on the resourced side of the ‘digital divide’. The digital divide is that imaginary divide (or donga in South African speak) that separates those who have proper access to modern technologies and those who don’t. In Midrand, the N1 almost serves as a physical expression of the gap between the the two. Can you imagine life without a computer? Can you imagine life without the internet? Or life without email? For many of us, these technologies are so ingrained in our everyday way of doing things that we’ve taken them for granted.

Not so for the vast majority of Ivory Park. Even where there are schools with computers and internet, this does not immediately translate into IT-equipped individuals. In many schools, computer labs are barely used or remain locked because the teachers are overburdened or require more training. The really tragic aspect to this is that the proper and sustained use of IT-technology has the potential to serve as a real development-enabler and a means by which to tackle a whole variety of developmental needs. Just think about the need for clear and accurate information with regards to health, social benefits, quality curriculum delivery, up-to-date news and communication methods… the list is long.

Since February this year, Siyakhula have enabled 70 students to become computer literate (most of these students had no previous computer knowledge whatsoever). This is, of course, the tip of the ice-berg but it is a start. Would you be interested in joining our team of volunteer trainers? Classes run on Saturday mornings and require a commitment of 6-8 weeks. Email me if you are interested.

Alternatively, would you be willing to inform your company about us? To put it simply, the more computers we have the more students we can teach. We’re looking for fast Pentium IVs (i.e. your old stock)

If you missed the Siyakhula Schools Enrichment Programme insert, click here and please pass on to anyone who might be interested.

Open Day – All Welcome March 1, 2008

Posted by Andrew Barrett in : Computer Literacy, Schools , add a comment

Siyakhula operates in Ebony and Ivory Park and is about empowering under-resourced and underserved communities through educational initiatives. The core focus until now has been the development of computer literacy skills. Siyakhula is holding an OPEN DAY and GRADUATION on Saturday 29th March, 11h00 – 15h00. If you are interested in what Siyakhula has to offer, then please drop by for a first hand experience and a short tour.

For more information, call Andrew on 082 903 5979. For directions and a map to Siyakhula email: andrew@wearegrowing.org