Cell C Expands Digital Empowerment with New Digital Lab Handover at Ofentse Primary School

Community | 26 September 2024

Author: Cell C

As part of its commitment to promoting digital literacy and access to education, Cell C has partnered with the Department of Education to roll out Digital Labs in schools across South Africa. The latest milestone in this initiative was the handover of a new Digital Lab to Ofentse Primary School in the North-West, underscoring Cell C’s mission to harness technology to improve lives and close the digital divide in underserved regions.

Central to this initiative is the integration of the C3 Micro Cloud solution, which provides learners with a comprehensive, e-learning experience. This technology enables students to access approved curriculum content, courses, and lesson packs, ensuring they gain access to valuable digital resources. By incorporating this advanced solution, Cell C, with support from the Department of Education is equipping learners with the necessary tools to enhance their digital skills and thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

This initiative is aligned with Cell C’s broader goal to empower South African youth through digital education. By providing access to IT equipment and the internet, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas, Cell C ensures learners gain crucial digital skills early in their schooling, laying the foundation for future success in a technology-driven world.

Joshua Moela, Managing Executive: Government Relations, emphasises, “Our mission extends beyond providing telecommunications services. We are fostering digital empowerment and equipping South Africa’s youth with the tools they need to succeed in a tech-driven future. This Digital Lab, along with the C3 Micro Cloud e-learning solution, is a vital step toward ensuring no learner is left behind.”

Cell C’s Digital Labs are designed to transform educational experiences by offering students interactive learning environments that introduce them to the latest technology. These spaces encourage engagement, creativity, and a hands-on approach to learning, setting the stage for future leaders and innovators to emerge.

Cllr. Nkatu Nkotswe, Executive Mayor of Moses Kotane Local Municipality, highlighted the collaborative effort in making this initiative a reality. "We are grateful to Cell C for their commitment to enhancing educational resources in our municipality. This Digital Lab will significantly improve the learning experience for our students, ensuring they are not left behind in today’s digital age. South Africa requires more of these collaborative efforts to put our future at the forefront of this everchanging world," said Nkotswe.

The Ofentse Primary School handover marks a significant achievement in Cell C’s strategy of not only expanding its footprint as a telecommunications provider but also as a committed partner to the communities it serves through its partnerships with the Department of Education and local stakeholders.

Hon. Viola Motsumi, MEC for the Department of Basic Education, also expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: "This initiative is crucial for our educational landscape, especially in underserved areas. By equipping schools with digital resources, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our children, enabling them to acquire the skills necessary for the 21st century," she stated.

This Digital Lab handover is another key moment in Cell C’s ongoing journey to connect communities and empower students with the resources to thrive in a digital future.