Kathu – The COVID-19 pandemic hit South Africa very hard forcing schools and most activities to shut down; resulting in learners having to use digital platforms to access lessons. This posed a huge challenge especially on disadvantaged pupils who can hardly afford gadgets and data to attend class.
With the number of infections gradually decreasing and economic activities resuming, learners have now returned to class, but there is a lot of catching up to be done which teachers cannot cover during school hours and within the few months left. Other interventions are needed.
SIOC-CDT has been key in responding to the challenges faced by the education fraternity through launching an E-Learning system programme. As part of the programme, All JTG District and Tsantsabane Municipal area grade 12 Science and Math learners received tablets to assist enhance their performance despite the challenges faced by the academic community this year.
An online learning system has also been activated where scholars can access digitalised learning materials, weekly live streamed lessons, and online assessments which will be captured and shared with teachers for further intervention. Data, sufficient for this course, will be provided and the usage thereof will be regularly monitored.
We earnestly hope that this programme will contribute in the outcome of recipients’ results as we would like to see our children thrive and achieve remarkable goals that will improve the status quo of our beneficiary communities. “This is phase one of a pilot e-learning project. We hope to expand the scope and be joined by other partners going forward”, said Dr Trevor Van Louw who is the SIOC-CDT Education Project Manager.
ENDS
About SIOC-CDT
SIOC Community Development Trust was established in 2006 by Sishen Iron Ore Company (SIOC) (PTY) LTD to invest in the development of the communities in which the company operates in the Northern Cape and Thabazimbi Local Municipality in Limpopo. The Trust has invested significantly in community development projects aimed at ensuring sustainability beyond mining operations.
SIOC-CDT has substantiated its stated intention of “defining ourselves through actions, not our words” by investing over R1 billion in socio-economic and community development projects in its beneficiary communities.
For more information, contact:
Refilwe Sebogodi
Stakeholder Relations and Communications Executive refilwe@sioc-cdt.co.za | 082 901 8364