Sisonke Sakha Ingomsa~Building Tomorrow, Together

A public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Tax Code

Tax Identification Number EIN 33-1145646

Technology Initiative

To  date our computer initiative, first established in 2003, has allowed over 3100 students to have access to technology. The donations have built two computer labs involving sixty personal computers, ten lap tops and fifty-five graphing calculators. This initiative allows students to surf the web, write email, access tutorial programs, type reports and many other technological skills that were once not possible for them.

The readers of this report are likely familiar with the past history of Apartheid in South Africa. In the field of education people often mention a technological apartheid. This version of separation is the difference between schools with resources and those whom cannot get access to the world of computers for their learners. This so-called “Digital Divide” creates a significant disadvantage for township students who if they work very hard and have strong academic skills must still compete on the university level with students who are well versed in technology. The cycle continues to the job market where the “haves” remain the “haves” and those lacking technological experience will remain sidelined.

I am often asked “what kind of difference has this initiative made in Khayelitsha”?

What I think it has done, is that the students have developed a keen interest in the computer. There has never been a time when I have visited that there were not more learners than machines in the room; often with a waiting line at the door trying to locate a seat. Often several students will be seated at each machine. Some of these students are connected with various computer clubs. These children have acquired a well-developed knowledge of the computer. They also have served as volunteers for other non-profit organizations in the installation of their labs throughout the Cape Town area. I was lucky enough to actually take some of these students on their work and greatly enjoyed their company as I witnessed first hand their knowledge and dedication to technology. This enthusiasm toward the computer will break down any real or imagined barriers that might exist. When these students enter the job market or attend a university, they will now have some technological skills, allowing them a fair chance to compete, effectively closing some of the digital divide.
The South African teachers match this commitment as well. At the recommendation of their teachers on a recent visit we organized lessons on the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Those teachers worked enthusiastically and asked many questions to show their interest in acquiring technology skills for their teaching.

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