Raspberry Pi 400 Handover at Lodirile Secondary School
Submitted by: Khanya Mahlasela
On Thursday, 7th March, there was excitement and joy from both learners and educators at Lodirile Secondary School in Krugersdorp at the handover of Raspberry Pi gadgets by Wisenet (Adapt IT).
Raspberry Pi is a series of single-board computers that aims to educate individuals in computing and is used worldwide to learn programming skills, build hardware projects and conduct home automation.
There to witness the handover were members of the Adopt-a-School Foundation (AAS), a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, Wisenet CEO, Ben Hamilton and his team as well as Adapt IT.
Lodirile Secondary school has a long-standing relationship with Adopt-a-School Foundation and Adapt IT.
The school has benefitted much through this partnership since 2019, with the renovation of its computer laboratory and additional resourcing and training. In addition, a coding and robotics programme is currently underway with the latest donation of 25 Raspberry Pi gadgets by Wisenet.
Grade 8 to 12 learners were present to express their gratitude at the handover ceremony while a choir entertained guests. Happy Molefe, Human Resources Executive of Adapt IT said she was honoured to be part of the programme.
Through the support of Adapt IT, this Information Communication Technology (ICT) programme empowers the youth in the community. The development of learners and educators is key – they are motivated, through these programmes, as they introduce new teaching tools such as ICT into curriculum.
Steven Lebere, AAS Chief Executive Officer said: “I commend the school on how it has sustained the resources donated by Adapt IT over the years. We believe part of the impact made to the school is reflected in the 82.8% matric results achieved by the school and shared last month.”
Pontsho Maredi a Grade 11 learner said: “I am very grateful to Wisenet for the gadgets. Having seen the impact that the ICT lab has had on us, I cannot wait to use these Pi’s.”
Tshidiso Ramaboa, a Grade 12 learner said: “These gadgets will help us apply to universities as we don’t have access to laptops and internet at home.” Thanking Wisenet for the Raspberry Pi, he said it was new to him and that he looked forward to exploring the benefits of the gadgets.
Through its Whole School Development (WSD) programme the Foundation aims to effect change across the school spectrum, providing a schooling environment conducive to teaching and learning. To understand more about the work of Adopt-a-School Foundation you can visit www.adoptaschool.org.za.
The Adopt-a-School Foundation was officially established in 2002 by a group of concerned individuals. The Foundation strives to address the inequalities and inadequacies in South Africa’s disadvantaged schools. We aim to ensure positive learning and teaching experiences which will lead to greater opportunities for South Africa’s youth. The Foundation acts as a vehicle that assists individuals and corporates to invest effectively in education of South Africa. This is done via the process of corporates/ individuals adopting schools and implementing our Whole School Development model. The Foundation is registered as a Section 21 company with PBO status and has an independent Board of Directors. It works with Government from district to National and cooperates with various bodies involved with education. The key objective of the Adopt-a-School Foundation is to implement Whole School Development – a holistic model aimed at improving the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools. It aims to ensure that schools have the necessary management and community leadership to support an environment conducive to excellence in teaching and learning in every school in which the Foundation works. There are 663 schools under the Foundation’s adoption model. The Foundation works in all nine provinces across the country.
