New Direction created by Khanya at St Raphael's Primary

St Raphael’s Primary in Athlone recently celebrated the launch of their Khanya computer laboratory with a special mass that was held in the adjacent Catholic Church to give thanks for their good fortune in receiving the laboratory. Archbishop of Cape Town, the Rt Rev Lawrence Henry, blessed the laboratory and the facility was officially opened by the circuit manager for the school, Mr Lennie van der Rede.

St Raphael’s pride in this new addition was evident not only in the attitude of the learners, but in the effort that had been made to ensure that the launch was an outstanding event.  Displays of learners’ works were exhibited in the hall which had been specially decorated for the occasion and guests were treated to a PowerPoint presentation on the history of the laboratory. 

Mrs Leukes, principal of St Raphael’s Primary, complemented her team on their commitment to education and the effort everyone had exerted to ensure that this dream had been realized.  She urged her learners and staff to utilize the technology and to live the dream.

Launched on 29 June, right at the end of the month of the youth that focuses on Youth Day, this laboratory will offer the youth served by this school the opportunity to grow, to experience a new world and to rise above the challenges presented by their every day lives.  Mr van der Rede, in his address, urged educators to use this new tool to combat the literacy and numeracy challenges they encounter in their classrooms and to put the technology to work to develop the young minds in their care to their full potential.

Also present at the launch was Dr Lionel Louw from the Premiere’s Office.  Dr Louw saluted the Khanya Project for the work it had done at this school.  With the technology they now have at their disposal, educators at St Raphael’s Primary can enrich themselves and access untold resources for their learners.

A new direction is being forged by St Raphael’s Primary as it enters its eightieth year of service to the learners of the Athlone area.  A direction that promises to be challenging and exciting and will equip their learners with the skills to become productive members of a technology driven society.