Helping rural and township Science Educators bridge the IT gap

Dell Foundation presented the Association of Science Educators in South Africa (ASESA) with 20 state-of-the-art computers on Saturday evening, July 02, 2005. This took place at the King William’s Town golf club during ASESA’s gala dinner. The gala dinner was funded by the Buffalo City Municipality Mayor.

Presenting the 20 computers, Mr Mtimkhulu from Dell Foundation said “This donation will help bridge the digital divide”. Many educators that belong to ASESA come from rural areas and townships throughout South Africa. These computers are going to be distributed equally among four ASESA member-organisations. These are PIMSTA (KwaZulu-Natal), MDAMSTEDA, KWTDAMSTE (Eastern Cape) and AMSEME (North West). These associations had to assure ASESA National Executive Council that they have a secure venue and a practical programme for teacher empowerment.

ASESA is an association funded by the Trust for the Education Advancement in South Africa (Teasa) since its formation in 1996. Maths, Science and Technology educators used available resources to enhance their teaching strategies. ASESA became their vehicle to embark on the journey of mobolising other educators, government and business.

“Dell wants to ensure that this community is empowered”, said Mr Mtimkhulu, as the chairpersons of the member-organisations signed an acceptance agreement.