Celebration of Partnerships – Wemmershoek Primary Launch

Nowhere is the success and potential of the partnership model advocated by the Khanya Project more clearly evidenced than at Wemmershoek Primary.  The launch of their Khanya laboratory on 22 May 2007 was both a celebration of the opening of the laboratory and a vote of thanks to their partners in this venture.

In addition to the support and guidance provided to the school by the Khanya Project, a number of local trusts and organisations had been instrumental in the successful and fairly rapid establishment of the laboratory.  Representatives from organisations such as the South African Wine Industrial Trust (SAWIT), the Podlashuk Trust, Build-It of Franschhoek, Universal Electric, Konnect It and Paarl Radio and TV attended the launch as special guests to thank them for their generous contributions to the project.

The launch event was held in the laboratory where learners demonstrated their skills with software such as Fifi & Fritz, CAMI and Encarta, and musical items were performed by Druchell Heradien, an ex-learner of the school.  Guests were also invited to view a slideshow presentation showing the development of the laboratory – from the early infrastructure stage to the present where it is used as a tool for curriculum delivery.

Freye Adams, speaking on behalf of the Podlashuk Trust, congratulated the school on their achievement, saying that the Trust had been delighted to be part of the project and that the smiles of the learners as they interact with the technology was all the thanks the Trust needed. 

SAWIT too had been honoured to contribute to the creation of a first world environment for these learners.  Ms Temba Masiza of the SAWIT urged the learners and educators to make full use of the opportunity presented by access to this level of technology.

Wemmershoek Primary is very proud of their new laboratory and their educators and learners are eager to use the facility.  They embody the positive commitment that Mr Trevor Arendse, Khanya’s Implementation Project Manager in the West Coast Winelands EMDC, emphasised in his speech.  He complimented them on their involvement throughout the project – many staff members had even assisted with the manufacturing of the tabletops and the installation of the infrastructure.  It is this commitment, he believes, that will ensure that Wemmershoek Primary will use the technology to make a difference in the lives of each learner at the school.