A week of work in summary - Sept 19 - 23

Now on to our true initiative here in Polokwane ….

Our team which includes myself, Narcisse (Germany), Prashanth (India) and Roland (China) have been tasked with developing a strategy to implement ICT (Information and Communication Technology) for the Province of Limpopo to almost 4,000 schools.   We have a second team on the ground here working with the schools directly on their professional development strategy for their teachers.

Much of this week was spent further learning about the Department of Education and the schools, how they interact with each other and what challenges they are facing.  Their goal is to ensure that school administrators, teachers and students have access to and use technology to further enhance their learning and communication. So much of what we take for granted is a ‘real stretch’ for a high percentage of the population here.  We are working with the poorest province in South Africa with the greatest need and the most hope. 

The challenge is to introduce technology (computers, software and the internet) to so many that have never used a computer!!! Technology has simplified our lives in so many ways and enabled us to do and learn so much more.  The key to their future is education and we have been asked us to help them formulate a plan to deliver it as simply and effectively as possible.  We will continue to learn and develop our strategy ... only half way there.