Masibambisane High on the IT map with Korean help

The Korean company also donated 30 computers and a digital whiteboard for the Delft-based Masibambisane High school’s IT classroom.

The Koreans, part of the Samsung Employees Volunteer Programme, have contributed to resources and learning for the 1,256 pupils at the Maths, Science and technology specialist school as part of the company’s focus on investing in Africa through technological leadership.

“It was very interesting, we learnt how the smartphones work and the basic components that make up the smartphone. At the end of the day we were able to dissemble and reassemble a J7 Samsung phone, which is the latest model,” said Grade 12 learner Inganathi Bozo.

Ovayo Ntini, a Grade 12 learner who took part in the Microsoft Office class also offered by the Korean volunteers, said it was “a nice experience”.

School principal Khayalethu Boesman said the school had partnered with Samsung to uplift the standard and quality of the learners’ results.

“Those Samsung computers are going to help our learners to realise they have no limitation in life. They will have the opportunity to search and explore in their content of learning,” said Boesman at the official opening of the school’s IT centre.

The Korean delegation. Photos: Zimbini Molisi.

According to a press statement released by Samsung, the school was chosen to benefit from what is the first programme of its kind in South Africa as it was situated in an area that was unable “to fully benefit from living in the digital age”, and the school lacked resources “with which to uplift the standard of learners’ performance and enhance the quality of teaching”.

Samsung stated the initiative was a pilot project and its success would determine whether similar initiatives would be launched at schools in other areas.

Pupils would be able to apply to continue studying at one of the three Samsung Engineering Academies situated in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.

The official opening of the new IT classroom was presided over by provincial education minister Debbie Shafer.