Electronics maker Acer has partnered with Orlando Pirates, a South African soccer team, to launch a learning center in Soweto, South Africa, expected to enable children to develop their computer, mathematics and science skills.
The centre is equipped with Acer products and an Internet connection that will see children train in various software and hardware skills.
“At the moment, the centre is open to children from ages eight to 16, as we believe this is the best age to maximise IT and prepare them for the future.” Damien Durrant, SA business manager for Acer Africa said.
“ It is designed around the classroom experience and we’re hoping to instill a passion for education in the young people’s minds,” he added.
Orlando Pirates chief Irvin Khoza said: “We believe that the future of education involves PCs and tablets and no longer just textbooks. South Africa has the capacity to find solutions to empower our children.”
Acer supplied all-in-one desktops, interactive projectors, interactive whiteboards and classroom manager software.
DBE will ensure that the centre will include material from the current curriculum and work with teachers to ensure smooth operations.
“Teachers will select kids who have a proven interest academically to science and technology and will assist them to learn the basic skills so that when they reach tertiary levels they are just as qualified as learners from international schools,” Enver Surty, the deputy minister of the DBE, said.
At the end of the training, certificates will be awarded to those who perform well in the programme and teachers will also be offered more training sessions.
The centre will be open for six days a week after school hours and will be accessible to all Soweto youth.
