Feedback from the Stage II educators

The project was an amazing help for me, my colleagues and learners in a sense that most of my colleagues can find their way around using a computer and learners are at a higher level in maths than a year ago. The learners are more enthusiastic in using the computer centre during interval, after school and over weekends.
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It had a good impact, since not only did the learners enjoy it one could see the effect in the classroom in the learners’ work and progress.
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The teachers are very excited at the impact the technology has made on the learners mathematics and language results. The learners are more excited about the lessons and the learning buzz is amazing.
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Made me positive and excited about teaching again ,lifting my morale and see it as an excellent opportunity to make teaching more meaningful and to improve my computer skills.

Learners can progress on their own level and pace and lift their self esteem as they feel that they have achieved something. The mathematics of the learners are improving all the time as the lab and the teacher are complementing each other beautifully.

The ZSP Project is a huge asset for the school as a tool to achieve excellence

Going the extra mile - The ZSP Team

A holistic approach to learning

"You can't teach a hungry child" is the slogan of our partner Peninsula Schools Feeding Association (PSFA) and unfortunately this is a reality in the majority of the Zisukhanyo schools. The Project partners with  PSFA to supplement the Western Cape Education Department feeding schemes to ensure that learners have every opportunity to concentrate on their studies throughout the day.

In some cases, where there have not been adequate food preparation facilities, a brand new kitchen has been funded for the school. Two of such kitchens are shown above.

South Africa had been experiencing a national shortage in bottled gas, which the schools use in the preparation of meals. However one school was determined that the learners would not be impacted so they came up with a very creative solution to the problem!!

"When can WE use the computers?" (part 2)

Here are the remaining four Stage III computer centres in use by the educators and learners.

"When can WE use the computers?" (part 1)

Since the infrastructure has been completed at the Stage III schools, we have been told that the constant question from learners at all of the schools has been "When can we use the computers ?"

There were two weeks of initial teacher training at the start of this term to familiarise teachers with the new procedures and software. But as of Monday 24th....well see below!

The teacher training is continuing as both learners and teachers explore this new way of learning.

In the Zisukhanyo family..

Stage III: And we're off....

During the school holidays last week, the "beginner training" was held for the Stage III schools. This training targeted educators who had little or no prior exposure to technology.

The aim of the training was primarily to banish any fears and to familiarise educators with some basic computer skills. Judging from the laughter and 'high fives' that were abounding during the sessions - I think it worked!!

"Do you want me to email that?"

One year ago, most of the educators at Sonwabo Primary had never used a computer. This time last year the ZSP Team ran training during the school holidays to familiarise the educators with their new technology:  2010 ZSP beginner training

Now in 2011 after a year of support and training...what is the verdict of the staff?

After school I talked to Mrs Nomfundo (left) and Mrs Guga (centre) who were both confidently inputting their grades into their reports. Here are their thoughts..

Mrs Guga..
Mrs Guga was so proud to call herself  "William's oldest pupil"  (William is the ZSP ICT Facilitator for Sonwabo).
" Last year I had to hand write all my reports, now I can type them myself" ( see below!)

Mrs Nomfundo..
"Before (training) I had a computer at home, but I couldn't use it. Now I take my work home using my memory stick."

" It's nice to be independent and do my own work (using the computer)"
When asked what she had thought one year ago, "I never dreamed that I would be able to do this"

Overhead while Mrs Nomfundo and Mrs Guga were working "Do you want me to email that?". After further questioning, Mrs Nomfundo explained she was now the proud user of a gmail account.

Using ICT to assist with their admin had gone from being a dream to a confident reality!

ZSP + Maths = fun

Meet the new Computer Centre Assistants and Community ICT Technicians

The Stage III CCAs and Community ICT Technicians (CTs)started at the start of September. Both the CCAs and CTs are currently enjoying their training as they develop their ICT skills.