Oklahoma Street Primary School in Macassar marked a milestone with the official opening of the brand-new foundation phase computer room, sponsored by Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club, on Friday 7 March.
Principal JoAnn Apollis warmly welcomed attendees, acknowledging the longstanding and fruitful collaboration with Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club for over a decade.
Garth Gibson, who spearheaded the project for the local Rotary club, detailed the initiative’s origins and objectives. For 14 years, the Helderberg Sunrise
Rotary Club has supported Oklahoma Primary with literacy and numeracy materials. However, the cost of traditional workbooks prompted a search for a sustainable solution.
The answer: an online numeracy programme.
“Due to the high annual cost of the Brombacher Number Sense Numeracy workbooks, a more sustainable approach was necessary. The solution involved providing learners with an online version of the programme, which would yield significant cost savings,” Gibson explained.
A classroom was made available for conversion into a computer room – a great deal of work was needed, from installing the necessary cabling, computer desks and painting to blinds, air-conditioning and the computers themselves. The Rotary Interact Club of Parel Vallei High School painted a fantastic mural on the back wall, which makes a huge difference to the ambience of the computer room. Gibson oversaw the project and, with the support of local and international Rotary partners, the computer room was successfully completed, representing a substantial investment of effort.
Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club past president Jo Mostert elaborated on the project’s significance. In her speech, she highlighted the club’s commitment to uplifting the local community.
“Our partnership with Oklahoma has been a deeply rewarding one over the past 14 years and was inspired by the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu: ‘Support literacy for all. It is an effective, practical way to overcome our sad and divided past.’ Education is an evolving journey, and as the needs of learners grow, so must our support.”
Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club past president Jo Mostert
Mostert acknowledged the remarkable collaboration that made the project possible. “Without the dedication of Rotary, our club members, our generous sponsors – including the Carl Duisberg Foundation – the leadership and staff of Oklahoma Primary, and the Western Cape Education Department, this vision would not have been realised. This computer room is more than just a space; it is a gateway to opportunity, knowledge, and a brighter future. Let us continue to build a world where every child has the tools they need to thrive.”
ICT Service Manager Stanley Marais provided an informative presentation entitled “Integrating technology into the curriculum”. Llewellyn Etson, chairperson of the school governing body, thanked all involved in bringing the life-changing project to fruition.
Apollis and Mostert presided over the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, after which everyone adjourned to the staffroom for refreshments.
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