Non-functional, inadequate and outdated technological equipment, coupled with a rapidly growing demand for technology-related subjects, was threatening to derail an Umhlatuzana, Chatsworth, school’s proud Information Technology program and record, until the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) recently intervened.
A R690 000 computer room upgrade at Apollo Secondary School, courtesy of the SAMCT, has put Information Technology and Computer Applications Technology studies back on track.
The school, established in 1969, is one of only four in the Chatsworth area to offer IT as a full-time subject and is the only one in this Durban suburb offering both IT and Computer Applications Technology (CAT) as subjects. IT was first introduced at the school as long ago as 2006.
Commenting on the school’s computer room make-over, SAMCT representative, Mr Gaff Osman said: “We are living in an era of rapid technological advancement and schools are not only expected to offer computer-related subjects, but to also have in place facilities capable of meeting the technological demands of today and tomorrow.”
“For many this is an impossible dream, while others – such as Apollo Secondary School – battle to make do with yesteryear’s outdated and obsolete equipment, frustrated by the excessive cost implications of keeping abreast of developments in the industry and the evolving needs of society,” he added.
Today’s learners are eager to immerse themselves in Information Technology at school and tertiary educational facilities, regarding these subjects as a gateway to exciting tech careers in the future.
“Giving today’s learners a head-start in the world of technology is vital, but will only benefit these young people if they have access to up-to-date facilities and equipment. Sadly, this is not always the case at schools in South Africa, many of which are playing catch-up and seeking ways to foot expensive equipment bills in the quest to meet growing learner demand for the subject. At Apollo Secondary School, computers were more than 10 years old and were too few in number to service the needs of learners. This resulted in learners sharing PCs and not being able to work independently, resulting in problems relating to the grasping of practical skills and concepts. The lack of equipment also impacted practical tests and exams, whilst the school’s limited functional facilities severely restricted the number of learners who could be accommodated for the subject. This state of affairs was not ideal preparation for life in an increasingly technology-driven world.”
“We are therefore confident that through this sponsorship, we can continue to offer the subject at the school, and maintain the high standards that we have set,” Mr Gaff Osman said.
He added that upon learning of the school’s technology development issue, the SAMCT was keen to assist, thus exposing more learners to the crucially important world of Information Technology.
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds.
The organisation provides funding, services and other resources for the improvement of the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged.
It has been singularly successful in delivering sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work to support needy organisations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation and education.
Mr Gaff Osman stressed: “Our computer room upgrade at Apollo Secondary School has contributed meaningfully to transforming the teaching of Information Technology here, replacing outdated equipment, inadequate infrastructure and limited resources by providing learners with the optimal learning environment they deserve. We, of the SAMCT, are pleased and privileged to be able to play a part in evocatively empowering Apollo’s next generation of IT professionals.
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For more information about the SAMCT and its Apollo Secondary School Computer Room Upgrade donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za
www.samct.co.za