World Wide Web Brings the World to Wolraad Woltemade Primary

The inclusion of Wolraad Woltemade Primary in the Khanya Project and the establishment of a computer laboratory at the school has brought the world into the classroom and into the field of experience of these learners.

Wolraad Woltemade Primary celebrated the launch of their Khanya computer laboratory on 6 August 2010.  Such a cause for celebration was it that the principal, Mrs Kesten, likened it to the celebration of a birthday.  Mrs Kesten said that the excitement and anticipation surrounding the establishment of this laboratory was much like that experienced with a birthday and the gift of the laboratory she likened to a gift that will continue to give enjoyment and learning for years to come.

The launch of the laboratory was celebrated in the school hall with all the learners present – it is for them that the school has taken this brave new step and they are determined that learners take ownership of the laboratory and the learning that will take place there right from the start.

The laboratory was officially opened by Mr James Vos – local councillor and past pupil of the school – for whom the laboratory is also named.  Mr Vos is delighted to have been able to help the school towards technology.  Technology is something he holds close to his heart;  he has been involved in a project to establish internet access in over one hundred libraries in the Province.

Mr Vos highlighted the importance of being linked to the internet for access to learning beyond the classroom, it helps to expand the information retrieval skills of the learners and, if used wisely, it can dramatically change the face of learning and teaching at Wolraad Woltemade Primary.

In addition to the laboratory, the school has also received three EIWB’s as part of the Telkom Project.  These, together with the supporting technology of data projectors and laptops have been installed in dedicated classrooms and educators are able to use these with confidence.

Wolraad Woltemade Primary has an inspired attitude towards technology – in no small part stemming from Mr Vos’s enthusiasm and drive.  Already, an initial fundraising initiative has been run successfully ensuring the initial running costs of the laboratory. 

Wolraad Woltemade Primary has been launched on the information super highway.  This progressive school with an almost all-female driving force (principal, head girls and chairman of the Governing Body) is determined to make the technology work to the benefit of the educators, all the learners and the community.