We run an educational support program for learners from local high schools in Makhanda, South Africa with the help of computers, tablets and the internet. Our focus is on supplementing the curriculum taught at local schools with ICT resources. This so-called core group program sees learners from grades 8-12 coming to our computer labs on a weekly basis to attend 2-3 hour sessions throughout their
secondary school career. The goal of the program is two-fold; to achieve better academic results for our learners and to equip them with solid computer skills. The learners who are all from historically disadvantaged background therefore receives training which will assist them in their future endeavors in the workplace or at university. We also run an Open Lab program where any learner from the surrounding communities who are not enrolled in our Core Group program can come and use our internet-connected computer labs for homework or research purposes. Members of the community are also welcome to use the labs for seeking employment, doing research, or any other recreational purposes. In addition, we support local schools in making use of their ICT infrastructure by running courses for teachers in the use of ICT in a classroom context, by revitalising school computer labs and by providing the schools with staff who monitor and guide learners in the educational opportunities offered by technology and internet. All our programs are provided free of charge to the beneficiaries as our vision is to help impoverished communities take advantage of the information technology revolution on their own premises.
