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| October 2007 |
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Khanya - much more than just computer labsSouth Africa's Western Cape province rolls out comprehensive technology project for schoolsThe goal to dramatically increase the outputs teachers and learners in the area of Science and Maths has been substantially boosted by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Khanya Project. More than 40 assigned Khanya facilitators across the Western Cape, an 80-hour training course for teachers and the latest technology such as interactive white boards, projectors, computer labs and mechanical and electrical engineering equipment form the backbone of Khanya's support for schools. Far from being a blanket once size fits all approach to using technology in education, Khanya assesses each school's needs including socio economic factors of the community where the school is situated, the level and understanding of technology use by teachers and learners, the capacity of the school to safe guard equipment, amongst others. Gone are the days of obsolete and under-utilised computer labs. The pioneering 'Education Through Technology' approach has seen 732 Khanya partnered schools gain access to the latest technology, more than 530 000 learners reaping the rewards whilst 635 schools have been trained to use the technology more efficiently. 294 schools are in various stages in preparation for the next phase of implementation. The Khanya Project is highly regarded having received numerous awards, the latest being the prestigious Gold Impumelelo Innovation Award in February this year. However, the strength and sustainability of the programme is demonstrated by the confidence it has instilled in its search for donor partners. More than half of the 25 188 computers installed have been funded from outside of Khanya and the WCED, lessening the burden of internal budgetary constraints. Partnership building is an area where Khanya excels and although it is run from within the WCED it prides itself on its relationships with South Africa's National Department of Education and local municipalities, which helps when liasing with schools outside of a major metro such as Cape Town. On the ground the 40 facilitators are busy with keeping the educators and labs up to date and relevant in the ever-changing world of technology. Teachers are trained to use South African learning software including programmes such as MasterMaths and CAMI in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa, the dominant languages in the Western Cape. The software is designed specifically for numeracy and literacy skills used to enhance and support South Africa's National Policy of Outcomes -Based Education. By the end of 2005 Khanya had managed to install computer labs in all secondary schools in the Western Cape. The focus has now shifted to installing labs in the primary schools in the province. More information:
Khanya Project For more info on Khanya and up to date figures visit: www.khanya.co.za
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Mpumelelo Innovation Awards Trust