The opening of computer and science labs at Modderdam High School in Bonteheuwel is the start of its dream to become a school of excellence for maths and science.
So said principal Rona Rayray, at the launch of the two labs on Thursday March 14.
The laboratories were made possible by DXC.technology, as part of its corporate social responsibility outreach.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Rayray said the initiative was more than just a computer and science lab.
Referring to the pupils, she said: “The talent we saw here shows we are so much more than just gang violence and drugs. This initiative fulfils our dream of becoming an excellent science and maths school. “By achieving, we are experiencing the kind of education our freedom fighters would wish for us. Through this, we are honouring them. This is about building a better Modderdam High, a better community, a better society, and ultimately a better nation, because that is what Nelson Mandela wanted for us.”
The school’s head of maths and science, teacher Adnaan Adams, said he would like to see a greater merger between science and the arts.
“We believe everyone can do mathematics and science by creating an enabling environment. We need to educate our children towards the future. As parents, we tend to get nervous when our children are taught things we don’t know, but education remains a social engagement. As teachers, we also need to upskill ourselves and become lifelong learners,” Mr Adams said.
It was because of the school’s effort to upskill their teachers that networks were developed at
information and technology workshops.
When the school was informed of the opportunity to get science and computer labs, Mr Adams got the ball rolling by producing a 50-page proposal. His and the school management team’s efforts got the attention of DXC.technology.
The company, however, does not believe in just donating equipment and walking away. Staff were actively involved in preparing the building, and they selected Grade 11 and Grade 12 pupils, who they call champions, to assist with the painting and cleaning of the designated areas, and to take ownership of them.
“It was easy for us to choose the school for this initiative. The dedication of the staff is way above par. We asked the school for a needs analysis and how we can help. Modderdam was chosen for their degree of management, and Mr Adams played a core role with this. We got a team of business analysts together, to make sure of the sustainability of this initiative,”
said Riyaad Hess, from DXC.technology.
Husain Mollagee, the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) e-learning advisor for the Metro Central region, said the future was about e-learning, and just like water and electricity, people could not do without it.
“We’ve realised the impact of e-learning, and some of the benefits include investment in human capital, making people adept at problem-solving, and building a prosperous country. As the WCED, we cannot accomplish this on our own, hence we welcome collaborations like this. I proposed Modderdam High to be the beneficiary after looking at the criteria, and we applaud DXC.technology for investing in education, and ultimately, for investing in our country’s future economy,” Mr Mollagee said.