According to the company's Corporate Social Investment (CSI) manager Arnold Beyleveld, it has identified education as the central thrust of its many programmes. "Our focus falls squarely on School Development Programmes and Education & Skills Programmes. More than 75% of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget is allocated to the School Development Programme and the implementation of information technology labs manufactured by Hawkstone iSolution."
Beyleveld notes that almost every child has some fascination with and interest in information and communication technology (ICT). "The world in which we live today is driven by ICT. Children who do not gain exposure to and knowledge of ICT will be at a distinct disadvantage in terms of the opportunities available to them in later life."
The IT lab is a self contained, fully equipped educational facility which provides educators and learners in developing communities with access to a computer training environment. The unit is designed as an integrated solution, providing all equipment from the non-technical, such as tables and chairs, through to computer hardware and software, all in a secure facility. With up to 31 workstations per facility, the lab is a complete ICT classroom. The labs are designed for rapid deployment and is delivered complete with training for the teachers to allow each school where one of the facilities is provided.
The commitment does not end with the delivery of a lab. Equally important is the ability for people to use that technology. The company therefore takes responsibility for the training and development of teachers in the use of the lab, while also providing IT maintenance support to ensure that the equipment is looked after. With the internet playing such a central role in exposing information and facilitating its access, Business Connexion even carries the cost of broadband connectivity.
In addition, the company's CSI division conducts regular monitoring and evaluation meetings with the school principal and educators to identify any issues or challenges that the school may be experiencing, and to support continued optimal use of the lab as a learning tool.
