Johannesburg, 01 Aug 2001
A R50 000 contribution from Telkom to equip a computer centre with hardware and software will help the Leshata Secondary School in Orange Farm to build on its science, mathematics and matric successes of the past three years.
In 1998 the school achieved a 92.8% pass rate and a 100% in 1999. Last year the pass rate was 98.5%. "These are no mean achievements, particularly if one considers that the school had very little infrastructure," Godfrey Ntoele, Managing Executive Telkom Business and Government Markets said at the hand-over ceremony yesterday.
The school has 1 015 learners supported by 27 educators. Leshata received a total sponsorship of R200 000 from Sun International, Telkom, African Appointments and Standard Bank. The project includes a library and computer centre.
Speaking at the function, deputy Minister of Education Mosibudi Mangena commented that the education of today`s children is an investment in tomorrow`s leaders. "Our newly found democracy requires leaders that would be able to sustain the development of not only education in disadvantaged communities but also in society as a whole," he said.
The contribution is part of the Telkom Foundation`s `Adopt a Project` programme which is aimed at encouraging senior employees at Telkom to become socially responsible and contribute towards the development of their communities. Designated employees adopt a school of their choice and donate amounts of up to R50 000 towards the development or purchasing of school facilities. The Foundation administers all corporate social responsibility funding on behalf of the company.
Godfrey Ntoele has adopted Leshata High School because of its impressive determination to bring education to the previously disadvantaged students of Orange Farm. "`Adopt a Project` is not just an once off cash injection but a long-term commitment that I am making to the school to support and mentor the educators towards bridging the digital divide," Ntoele said.
"Today, almost all aspects of human endeavour are dependent on some element of technology to function properly. Communication and information technology will continue to be the key drivers of socio-economic growth and upliftment. The Telkom Foundation is taking the lead in developing computer and technology skills among our youth. This is a genuine effort on the part of Telkom to introduce and bring technology to the young people of our country, particularly those from formally disadvantaged communities," he said.
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