The generator will power the school’s administration block, which accounts for over 90 percent of its total electricity consumption. Samsung also installed energy-efficient LED lights to help reduce electricity usage.
Speaking during the donation, Public Affairs and Common Shared Value Manager Ntutule Tshenye, said they identified Phomolong Secondary School as a suitable beneficiary for its education-related innovations due to its strong leadership, which is evidenced by the school’s consistent year-on-year matric pass rate growing from 65 percent to 97.5 percent in just two years.
“The school is a good partner for us because we know our investment will make a significant impact. Technology can do great things for schools, but unless those schools are run by committed leaders, it would not solve anything. We are pleased to be able to assist a school that is a shining example of what can be achieved despite the odds against it,” he said. Tshenye added that Samsung Africa’s CSR strategy is focused on education, which it believes will be most successful by connecting its desire to improve lives with its long-term business goals in Africa.
“The company knows that to be sustainable, it needs to invest in African through leadership and ensure the development of a large pool of skilled resources. To do this, Samsung is delivering on a practical strategy under its global “Hope for Children” campaign, focusing on education, rural access, connectivity and developing programs that speak to the broader basic needs of communities. Together, these programs will help the company meet its goal of directly impacting the lives of 5 million Africans by 2015,” he added.
Phomolong Secondary School is already home to a Samsung Solar Powered Internet School, which serves as the school’s only computer lab. Earlier this year, Samsung also donated several Smart televisions and smart phones to the school to bring multimedia content into the classroom and to ensure better communication between teachers. Phomolong school principal, Mocheke Thoka, said they are delighted that they are going to be cutting back on their electricity bill, which usually comes to over R8 000 a month.
“By saving this money, we can afford to do important things, like infrastructure development, without having to sacrifice anything. I am excited that our students will see alternative energy solutions are really viable and I hope it will make them think about the importance of being resourceful and using solar power in Africa,” he said. Thoka added that he is aiming for a 100 percent matric pass rate this year and Samsung’s ongoing support will help him achieve this goal.
“Since the Solar Powered Internet School arrived, we have seen a huge improvement in the academic performance of our learners who use the facility to do their homework, conduct online research and to apply for bursaries at tertiary institutions. Now, the Solar Power Generator will help us free up budget, which can be used for more books and supplies,” he said.
