Ready, steady...GO!

The Zisukhanyo Schools Project Stage II schools launch happened on Friday 23rd April at the Lord Charles Hotel.

Present were the Principals and Champions of the eight Stage II schools; officials from Metro South Education District (MSED) and WCED Khanya Project; representatives from each of the ZSP partners and suppliers; the Protea Education Development Project (PEDP) chairman and team.

Support for the ZSP was expressed in speeches by Eugene Daniels, MSED Director and Clinton Walker, Khanya. Danny Gallagher and Mark Swartz explained the scope, vision and details of this three year project. Jo Besford explained how the ZSP team will support the schools.

One of the highlights of the launch was the speeches by each of the Principals detailing their vision for the ZSP at their schools.

Thank to to all who attended and committed their support to this project.

'Preparing to fly' Training Workshop

On Saturday 17th April, the ZSP stage II schools joined together for a training workshop titled 'Preparing to fly' run by the ZSP team. Each school was represented by their Principal, ICT Champion and a member of the ICT Committee. We were excellently hosted by Capricorn Primary School.

During the morning we looked at how roles within school would change as a result of schools joining the ZSP, we considered factors that would influence the success of ZSP at the schools and the schools shared their hopes and fears about the ZSP. Each group was given an opportunity to positively summarise their school, you will be able to see their contributions on their individual pages over the next few days. 

Danny meets ZSP stage II schools

Danny Gallagher, the chairman of Protea Education Development Project is in South Africa visiting ZSP stage II schools prior to the stage II launch this Friday.

As a project team, we were so proud to take Danny to the schools. At each school Danny spoke with the Principal and Project champion, he then visited the rooms which will become the ZSP computer centre.

The visits were very successful; in that it allowed each school to showcase their enthusiasm and commitment for the ZSP and allowed Danny to gain an understanding of  each school.

Peninsula School Feeding Association

One of the partners of the ZSP project is the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA). For more than 50 years, PSFA has been providing meals to hungry children in primary, secondary and special-needs schools and other educational institutions.

PSFA has been a partner in the ZSP Stage I schools; Mitchell Heights, Liesbeeck and Eastville. Protea Eductaion Development Project will continue to partner with PSFA in supporting for these three schools untill mid 2011.

The first term 2010 PSFA newsletter features the ZSP. You can click on the link below to read it.

PSFA newsletter

Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick

This week we were pleased to host a visit by Diarmuid & Agnes O Driscoll. Diarmuid is Director of External Relations at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick.

Diarmuid's Profile

Diarmuid had attended a lecture by Danny Gallagher, chairman of the Protea Education Development Project, where the Zisukhanyo Schools Project (ZSP) had been discussed. We were pleased that on his visit to Cape Town, he decided to see the project in action for himself.

Diarmuid and Agnes had a chance to visit the area where three of the new ZSP schools are located. It was important for them to see the environment where this project is targeted. They then visited Mitchell Heights Primary school and the ZSP computer lab. Thanks must go to the school's Principal, Ms G Thebus, who opened the school especially for them during the Easter holidays.

Swans

A swan looks effortless gliding across a lake...but below the surface its legs are paddling furiously.

The Zisukhanyo Schools Project is a well organised project but to maintain its high standard furious paddling beneath the surface is needed.

Although the schools are closed for two weeks, we have been focussing on preparing the plans, data and paperwork for the 23rd April Project launch. The 8 ZSP schools were excellent in responding to detailed requests for data before they closed.

This week has also has been a time for meetings with stakeholders; reviewing timelines and deliverables. They are all important steps in ensuring this Project moves forward.