In today’s technology-driven world, computer studies in schools have never been so important, but
many of South Africa’s historically disadvantaged educational institutions lack the resources to offer
Information Technology.
One such school is Foresthaven Secondary School in Phoenix, Durban. The school has long
recognised the need to equip its learners with the ability to contribute to society in a rapidly-evolving
digital world.
Sadly, few schools – especially those serving historically disadvantaged learners – are in a position to
add Information Technology to their curriculum because of funding constraints faced by the
Government, leaving no alternative but for private sector assistance to develop such new avenues of
education.
In spite of Foresthaven Secondary School’s best intentions, the cost of equipping a computer room
has proved a financial step too far… until now.
The South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) recently stepped in with the R500 000
sponsorship of a computer room at the school, opening the door to an all-new computer-based
future for the benefit of the young learners in its charge and equipping them with the 21st-century
skills this country requires if it is to flourish in the digital age.
Commenting on the new facility, SAMCT representative, Mr Gaff Osman, said: “Having a fully-
functional computer room at the school represents a massive step forward in its quest to respond to
ICT needs as a global phenomenon. Computer literacy at the school level will most certainly put
learners here at a distinct advantage going forward.”
It is widely accepted that computer literacy is a critical contributor to strengthening the critical
thinking skills of young learners, affording them a competitive edge in developing improved logical
and computational thinking and the application of digital skills in the resolution of problems.
Mr. Osman said: “Having access to computer equipment will give effect to encouraging children to
embrace Information Technology. In view of how rapidly the digital era is evolving, IT must be
regarded as the job market of the future and our youth must be made ready to become an active
part of that future.”
“By sponsoring a computer room at Foresthaven Secondary School, we have met its long-held IT
educational aspirations and have given effect to unlocking new educational opportunities here,” Mr
Osman added.
IT education may no longer be regarded as a luxury for schools and a need exists for increasing
numbers of South African schools – regardless of their economic status – to be properly equipped to
deliver education geared around digitalisation.
“Our schools must be able to provide for computer literacy and the ability to source information, as
well as having the tools for promoting coding and robotics. We must now consider IT in schools as
essential if learners are going develop into competent role-players in the technologically-advanced
world of tomorrow,” Mr Osman said.
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
organization 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 organizations in the fields of social development, poverty alleviation, healthcare,
and education.
Mr. Osman stressed: “Ours is a technological world and will only ever become increasingly more so,
given our growing reliance on digitalisation globally. Accordingly, we, of the SAMCT, are very pleased
to have been able to assist in bringing computer studies to this school. We are confident that our
involvement in equipping a computer room at Foresthaven Secondary School will assist in ensuring
the delivery of exceptional ICT education well into the future.”