Altech Autopage Cellular introduces innovative learning in the classroom

Altech Autopage Cellular, in conjunction with Media 24’s Streetwise Challenge, is changing students’ lives, one school at a time.

As part of the company’s 2012 CSI initiative, Altech Autopage Cellular will be investing in the wonders of technology whilst improving the quality of education in local schools, starting with Boitumelong Secondary School in Tembisa.

The Streetwise Solution is a unique text-based, low-cost email and information terminal that connects underprivileged schools to live online reference material. This includes encyclopedias, email, current news, curriculum-based worksheets and a host of other learning tools from reputable content developers.

“South Africa must remain globally competitive in an age when innovation, technology and entrepreneurship are vital to economic growth. As such, technology must be used within the classroom to inspire and engage students when their minds are at their most responsive stage of development,” says Boyd Chislett, Altech Autopage Cellular CEO.

Of the 26 000 schools in South Africa, more than 18 000 do not have access to the Internet. Altech Autopage Cellular aims to improve access to the Internet, one school at a time.

Boitumelong is the first of five schools scheduled to receive the technology investment from Altech Autopage Cellular. The company has invested in 30 terminals, branded carrier bags, a shared USB printer, and a secure storage cabinet. This includes SIM cards, GPRS costs and all hosting costs.

To ensure that the Streetwise Solution is successfully implemented, the Altech Autopage Cellular investment includes the cost of a community member to serve as a Streetwise champion to ensure the success and sustainability of this project. The champion will provide intensive hands-on support to the school and encourage the use of Streetwise by teachers and learners. Working part time at the school, the champion will be available to train users, assist with Streetwise lessons and to ensure that Streetwise is always ready for action.

To quote former president, Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” As such, Altech Autopage Cellular is going the extra mile to become a part of the change every South African would like to see in our country.