The iPads are part of PPC’s ongoing efforts to support the school, and to change the lives of its pupils.
PPC head of social responsibility, Francie Shonhaiwa explained that initially PPC piloted the concept in 2014 with 20 iPads.
“After we realised it was actually changing people’s lives, we brought in more,” Shonhaiwa said.
The cement company partnered with iSchool Africa to provide specialised training for educators on how to use the technology and access applications and other training materials suitable for these children.
CEO of PPC, Darryl Castle said, “For us it’s not just about schooling, we want to link education to the real world.”
Head of the iPad learning programme at the school, Norma Grenzenburg explained that the iPads made a phenomenal difference, “We are not staying where we are with the iPads, we need to develop.
We envision each child with their own iPad,” she said.
Grenzenburg added that the initiative made interactive education for pupils with complex disabilities at the school possible and facilitated the active participation of non-verbal pupils.
Lisa Ferris a Grade 3 teacher said, “It’s exciting and wonderful to bring technology into the classrooms, pupils are slowly improving and we have only had the iPads for a short while,” she said.
Ferris explained that one particular student grew in confidence and developed a love for Mathematics after using the applications.
Key speaker at the event, the Honourable Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, Deputy Minister of Social Develeopment said, “With technology today, the severity of our disability doesn’t matter.
This programme [affords] our children an opportunity to work on the same level as an able-bodied person,” said Bogopane-Zulu.
She commended Forest Town School for their amazing work and positive energy, and assured PPC that their investment was in good hands.
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