Mobile libraries to disadvantaged schools

Polokwane – On 23 August, Vodacom Limpopo Region handed over mobile libraries to three disadvantaged primary schools across the province. The three public schools were winners in the Vodacom e-School competition that the Region had been running in May and June.

Lelethu Nkula, Executive Head for Consumer Business Unit for Vodacom Limpopo says: “Access to reading material is a major challenge in South Africa. Many learners do not have access to libraries and reading material. Vodacom believes that we can help address this challenge by broadening access to literacy by introducing mobile libraries in primary schools. Reading is a critical element for education as it can benefit a child’s education, social and cognitive development, their well-being, and mental health.”  

Who won? 
Kgotloana Primary School, located in Bochum – Blouberg Local Municipality
Peter Hermans Primary School, located in Bochum – Blouberg Local Municipality
Mbhureni Primary, located in Giyani – Greater Giyani Municipality 
 
Latest research shows that the combination of internet access and adoption of digital tools in the classroom helps to improve grades and student marks. By bringing hi-tech tools, such as the latest computers and mobile libraries, together with reliable internet connectivity, this will drive digital inclusion in education and improve teaching outcomes significantly. It will also improve learners’ output in critical subjects such as Mathematics and Physical Sciences and Natural Sciences.   
Supporting education is the main focus of the Vodacom Foundation. The Vodacom Foundation has an annual budget of approximately R110m per annum for corporate social investment projects, and just over 60% of the budget goes into Education projects. 
In the past five years alone, Vodacom has spent over R350 million using technology to enhance and improve Education in South Africa.