IT was a beautiful, sunny day when Johnson Nqonqoza Secondary School was presented with their very own “brITebox/battery powered tablet trolley”.
On the day of the event, invited guests were met and escorted by learners and staff to the quad, where the neatly dressed learners were already seated. The proceeding commenced with an opening prayer, followed by a hearty welcome by Mrs Nkole, representing the student governing body.
Of course no event will do without the beautiful and rich voices of the school choir which performed a few items. Their lively singing accompanied by dance movements caused a stir among the learners who eagerly put their hands up and swayed along in unison.
Representatives of the sponsors, Shaeestha Tufail from #giveITback and Mankete Moroka from the Public Investment Corporation, were introduced. Mr T. Xakaxa, ward councillor, added a word of support and Alusiwe Mokhitli delighted everyone with a poem.
Tufail said, “Our products are designed and aimed at bridging the gap of IT infrastructure, as well as empowering young minds.
“Johnson Nqonqoza Senior Secondary has a 100% maths and physics pass rate and is one of the top 40 schools in the country.
“These achievements coupled with a dedicated staff who give extra lessons till 17:00 every day is one of the main reasons that they are a deserving beneficiary for this donation.
“Well done to (principal) Mr (Henry) Syce and his staff at Johnson Nqonqoza. We need more educators like you!”
Ghandi Roxo, from the Department of Education sent a written message in which he emphasised, “As Sarah Baartman district, we believe the choice of your school is perfect.
“Johnson Nqonqoza has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that they are the champions within the ICT integration and teaching and they also have running programmes in place in community enrichment in ICTs.”
At last, the learners’ curiosity was satisfied when Syce and the sponsors cut the red ribbon tied around the box and opened it so everybody could see the wonderful gift to the school – the famous brITe box/battery powered tablet trolley containing 40 tablets and a laptop server built into a mobile trolley, which transforms any class into a computer lab.
Syce had many kind words of thanks for everybody who assisted in organising the launch function.
He had a word of special thanks to the guests of the Kouga Wind Farm, which was instrumental in identifying Johnson Nqonqosa to the donors.
He took special care in giving a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors.
A special plaque was unveiled at the computer room and then the festivities ended on a high note when the gigantic cake was cut and light snacks were served.