Learners from underprivileged primary schools outside Durbanville recently benefited from a donation of much-needed tablets by the Rotary Club of Tygerberg.
The foundation phase teachers of Fisantekraal Primary School and Vissershok Primary School were equipped with tablets to assist them in teaching mathematics and language literacy skills.
At a recent handover ceremony and demonstration of the tablets, the Rotarians were blown away at the ease with which the learners, many of whom have no access to technology in their homes, took to the tablets, said Willy Watson, president of the Rotary Club of Tygerberg.
His wife, Gillian, also a Rotary member, remarked: “It is wonderful to see the children interacting with the tablets, curious, engaged, and already capable!”
Back to school
It was back to school for the teachers who had to do e-Learning courses before each received 11 tablets with headsets. On receipt of the tablets, the teachers had to prepare for the classes and download free apps to assist them with their teaching. The tablets are stored in secure charging units and locked up every night.
In addressing the teachers, Willy Watson, president of the Rotary Club of Tygerberg thanked them “for their unwavering dedication and commitment to our children. You are the foundation of our education system, and your work is invaluable.”
Vissershok Primary School, which celebrates its 53rd anniversary this year, accommodates 325 foundation phase learners in nine classes — many of whom are from Du Noon and a few from surrounding farms. Founded in 1977 by minister AP van Wyk, a respected pastor who established several schools in the area, Vissershok began with just 100 learners, a principal and two teachers.
“Over the years it has grown into a school known for producing well-rounded learners with achievements in academics, sport and culture, with its current buildings in use since 1988,” Brian Meyer, principal, said at the handover ceremony.
Charmaine van Schalkwyk, head of department and the implementation lead on the learning tablets, said the entire foundation-phase team had embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment. “The spirit of collaboration and dedication across the staff is self-evident, and this is exactly what makes initiatives such as this so impactful.”
Importance of daily attendance
Fisantekraal Primary School, funded through a Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation, serves 1 352 learners, of which 688 are in the foundation phase. They come from Klipheuwel, Fisantekraal and surrounding farms. Under the leadership of Loretta Loggenberg, principal, the school is filled with energy, purpose and heart. Known for her unwavering commitment to her learners, she spoke passionately about the importance of daily attendance. “Our children must be at school every day; this is where their future begins.”
Loggenberg also highlighted how blended learning is transforming classrooms, particularly for learners who do not have access to technology at home.
“Blended learning in our foundation-phase classes is implemented through structured small-group rotations. While one group receives focused, individual support from the teacher, another practises phonics or mathematics on the tablets, and a third group completes written tasks. Groups rotate daily, ensuring all learners benefit from both personalised teacher interaction and access to technology.”
Said Watson: “Equally powerful was hearing from the teachers, who are already seeing real impact in their classrooms. These devices are freeing up valuable teacher time for one-on-one learner support; strengthening mathematics and reading skills through interactive, blended learning; teaching responsible and respectful use of digital tools and enabling teachers to track individual progress and identify learners who need additional support.”
Spin-offs
“The project has had spin-offs in unexpected ways,” Watson said. “Class discipline has improved, making the task of the teacher much easier. Schools can potentially start offering coding and robotics at foundation level.
“But perhaps the biggest bonus has been the freeing up of resources to the benefit of the higher grades. Many schools have only one computer lab shared across all grades.
“With the foundation phase now having access to technology, time in the computer laboratories has been freed-up for the benefit of the higher grades.
“None of this would have been possible without the dream and the incredible support of our donors and fellow Rotarians, who believed in this initiative from the very beginning. Despite delays, their generosity and commitment have turned this vision into a reality. We are still looking at implementing the project at another two schools and would welcome the support of the local community and local businesses to partner with us.
“This is Rotary in action. Our club would like to thank The Rotary Foundation, our international partner; the Rotary Club of Kristiaanstad in Sweden, represented by Göran and Kerstin Anderberg, Rotary Districts 2395 and 9530 and the Rotary Club of Niwot in America. Furthermore, we received support from DGMT, Lewis Stores, The Lorenzo and Stella Chiappini Trust, and the Durbanville community who have supported us through the 40 Protea Way Open Gardens events,” he said.
. Contact Watson on 082 781 0782 or presidentrotaryclubtygerberg@gmail.com to join the Rotary Club of Tygerberg or to become involved in community projects.
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