Learning in Ekurhuleni being kept healthy with free fibre
The Vuma Schools Project is steadily making its mark in Ekurhuleni, with a host of schools already on board to benefit from free, uncapped fibre optic infrastructure.
The Advertiser spoke to Taylor Smith, the Vuma School Project and sponsorship manager, to find out more.
Tell us about Vuma
Vuma is a leading fibre network operator that pioneered fibre to the home in South Africa in 2014. Our biggest priority has always been to make fibre internet accessible to everyone and, as such, we are committed to bringing fibre internet to more homes and schools across the country. Vuma has a strong partner network of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the result is reliable, affordable and super-fast connectivity which is enhancing and optimising online experiences for everyone.
Tell us about your Fibre to Schools Project
Vuma’s Fibre to Schools Project was launched in 2015. The project sees the roll-out of free uncapped open-access one gigabit per second (Gbps) fibre optic infrastructure to every primary and high school passed during the deployment of fibre in a community. Each school receives a free line and can choose one of our partner ISPs to provide free uncapped internet connectivity to the school. Since the start of this project, Vuma has connected over 345 primary and high schools across South Africa, allowing learners and educators to tap into a world of digital and e-learning opportunities.
Which schools have signed up in Ekurhuleni?
Laerskool Birchleigh, Laerskool Jeugpark Primary, Summerfields Primary, Laerskool Witfield, Witdeep Primary, Rynfield Primary, Sparrows Private School, (primary), Parkdene Primary, Laerskool Edleen, Laerskool Baanbreker, Laerskool Van Riebeeckpark, Birchacres Primary, Farrarmere Primary, Van Dyk Park Primary, Freeway Park Primary, Laerskool Impala, Shangri-la Academy, Dalpark Private School, Tom Newby School, Con Amore, Laerskool Christiaan Beyers, Hoërskool Goudrif, Hoërskool Jeugland, Roxer Academy, Sparrows Private School (high school), Hoërskool Oosterlig, Hoërskool Brandwag, Hoërskool Brandwag, Hoërskool Jeugland, Marais Viljoen High, Sunward Park High, Hoërskool Hans Moore and Sunward Christian Academy.
What equipment do these schools have to leverage and support the access to internet?
In order to get connected to fibre, primary and high schools simply need to fall within the Vuma fibre network. There are no equipment requirements as these are covered by Vuma and our partner ISPs. Schools will, however, need to upgrade their existing ADSL infrastructure to ensure that their IT systems can run on the new fibre connection.
What impact has this had on the learning environment and what is the future potential?
In a society where knowledge is power, internet access gives learners and teachers the opportunity to benefit from a wealth of resources that they would otherwise not have access. In addition, e-learning services are being rolled out in schools across the country. However, without reliable access to the internet, schools aren’t able to fully benefit from the assistance that these services offer, such as distance learning, blended learning courses and interactive teaching methods. Fibre internet in the classroom means learners can better engage and interact with e-learning material. Vuma is extremely proud of the school project and to witness the positive change taking place in schools for learners and educators alike.
What has the roll-out cost Vuma?
The cost of connecting schools is priceless. We live by our mantra “because we can, we must” and we will continue to roll-out free fibre 1Gbps fibre to all schools in our network.
Are you the only company doing such a community project?
We are not the only fibre operator which offers free connectivity to schools. It is amazing to see that since the start of the Vuma School Project in 2015, other fibre network operators have joined this movement. This is incredible as more doors of opportunities are opened for the youth, especially in areas where we do not have fibre and are unable to connect schools.
Tell us about your goal to reach more than 400 schools by December
With our ISP partners, we will continue to provide free 1Gbps fibre internet connections to every primary and high school that falls within our network.
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