Learners of False Bay Primary School in Macassar will enhance their computer skills and grow their literacy and numeracy acumen thanks to a newly installed computer learning hub at the learning institution.

The facility was officially opened on Friday 26 June, during an event which saw the school roll out the red carpet. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was done by incoming Rotary District Governor for District 9350, Anton Lubbe, and principal Desmond Engelbrecht.

Gail Sykes, president of Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club, welcomed everyone to the event, emphasising the teamwork of all involved in the project under the leadership of the club’s incoming president, Garth Gibson.

He, in turn, paid tribute to all the role-players who contributed to bringing the project to fruition, including funding from the Rotary Club of Wuppertal Sud in Germany, computers donated by the St Gallen IT Cluster in Switzerland and Kerhli & Oehler, the Swiss firm who shipped the computers at cost, as well as partners and suppliers who delivered the infrastructure.

Engelbrecht thanked all involved in bringing the project to fruition, stressing that the facility will benefit the entire Macassar community, as the learners will now have the skills they need to contribute to society in future.

The computer room will help the local Rotary Club to continue and evolve its commitment to improving literacy and numeracy among local learners. Through the online CAMI programme, learners from Grade R to Grade 3 will receive structured literacy development.

“This is essential as a child first needs to learn to read before they can approach numeracy,” a statement from the club read. “

From Grade 3 onwards, Greenshoots supports numeracy, ensuring continuity as learners progress through Foundation Phase and beyond.

“The impact of this computer room will result in improved capacity and learner literacy and numeracy over time, stronger educational foundations, and ultimately better opportunities for employment and participation in society.”

Aside from the overseas sponsorships, all other aspects of the facility was completed by Rotarians, school maintenance teams and local suppliers. A wall mural will also be painted by the Interact Club of Parel Vallei High School.