Kibler Park Secondary now boasts a mobile digital library worth R270 000, with 40 tablets, a printer, a server and a laptop thanks to Astron Energy’s donations on January 31.
Fumani Khoza, regional sales manager for Astron Energy, said it is the company’s mandate to provide technology to underprivileged schools.
“Astron and Caltex are the same company, which many people are unaware of. We wanted a school near our filling station and that is why we chose Kibler Park because it is close to Caltex.
“We then approached Ruratec, a technology company, with our proposal. They built a digital library for us to donate to the school. Education is our top priority when it comes to corporate social responsibility.
“We are proud to say that Astron Energy invests in primary, secondary and tertiary education for primarily black African, previously disadvantaged, learners across the country, particularly in areas where we operate,” said Khoza.
He explained the mobile digital library instantly transforms an ordinary classroom into a functional PC lab where learners can learn how to use Ms Office packages and do both coding and research.
“It also instantly converts a physical library into a digital library. This solution does not require an active internet connection because it includes an offline server preloaded with CAPS-aligned educational content. Learners can print material and take a hard copy home for further study.
“At the end of the day, the digital library is relocated to a secure room where all tablets are charged simultaneously overnight. It is also appropriate for learners from Grades One to 12.
“We must emphasise that this opportunity provided to you must be used wisely to expand your knowledge. Knowledge is powerful, but only when applied. Thank you for collaborating with us; we have faith in this institution,” said Khoza.
Thank you
The principal of the school, Hosea Maboya, expressed their gratitude for the support received from the company.
“It is always very painful when you teach learners from an underprivileged community. It has led to learners not attending school because they did not do their homework or finish the research given because of a lack of resources.
“We decided to write a letter to various business companies requesting donations and sponsorships for various projects the school wishes to undertake. When it came to the one for the library, Astron arrived and went through a process before being approved.
“As a school, we are excited because we believe we will use the library with care and enhance the children’s abilities. We are going to work hard to get to 100% from our consistent 80% matric pass mark. We do not believe there will be any challenges anymore.
“I would like to thank Astron Energy, Ruratec, SGB members, district members and Kibler learners and staff members, ” said Maboya.
The Department of Education’s chief education specialist for Johannesburg south, Portia Mangena, said they are committing their support to the school.
“We will ensure that the school utilises the library to help improve teaching and learning.
“The school is committed to safeguarding the resources and using them with care so that other learners who come to the school will find them in good hands. I saw a banner from Astron Energy that stated that they are fuelling progress in a rapidly changing world. They live by those principles because this donation will sharpen the learners’ skills required in this fourth industrial revolution,” said Mangena.
A gateway to opportunity
Leatile Mashile, the school’s head girl, said it was a big day for their school. She thanked Astron Energy and Caltex for their generosity in providing the state-of-the-art digital library.
“We have been exposed to the fourth industrial revolution. Technology is part of our daily lives. The library will not only grant us as learners a gateway to an amazing world of literature but also equip us with the necessary knowledge to broaden our horisons. We also believe it will encourage learners of the school to perform even better than we already are.
“As someone who enjoys reading and books, I must say that I am looking forward to diving into an amazing read, which would not be possible if Astron had not donated the library to us,” said Mashile.
