Eastern Cape Learners Embrace New Era of Digital Learning with Tablet Roll-Out
Eastern Cape learners are stepping into a brighter, tech-driven future as the Department of Education led by MEC Fundile Gade rolls out a groundbreaking initiative to distribute tablets to Grade 12 pupils in quintile 1-3 schools. This programme is part of a broader e-Learning Strategy aimed at bridging the digital divide and equipping learners with essential tools to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
This week, 236 tablets were handed over to Ulwazi High School Grade 12 learners in Mdantsane. The excitement continued, at St. Thomas Special School in Stutterheim, where learners with special needs also received tablets tailored to support their education.
St. Thomas learner, Inganathi Maawu expressed heartfelt gratitude during the handover, saying: "We are so thankful to the Department of Education for giving us these tablets. We promise to take good care of them and use them wisely to improve our studies. These devices will help us access information, prepare for exams, and ultimately pass our matric".
The programme, in partnership with MTN, aims to equip 54,000 Grade 12 learners across 286 schools with high-tech tablets. Schools will also receive state-of-the-art e-library solutions, while educators and curriculum officials will be trained in digital literacy, online safety, and effective technology integration.
Education Portfolio Committee Chairperson Monde Sondaba, representing MEC Gade during the St. Thomas handover, emphasized the importance of inclusion, particularly for learners with disabilities. These children are all ours, and it is our responsibility to ensure their safety, support, and inclusion in modern technological advancements,” he said.
The learners themselves are at the heart of this initiative, filled with excitement and hope. The tools provided will allow them to research assignments, access digital content, and prepare for their matric exams more effectively. For many, these tablets represent a gateway to equal opportunities and a brighter future.
