NPO giving needy pupils wings through technology

IN A bid to provide teaching support to under- equipped schools, a nonprofit organisation, Giving them Wings Foundation, is encouraging township schools to be more technology focused through its iPad curriculum programme.

The foundation, in partnership with their adopted school, Elufefeni Primary in Motherwell NU7, aims to provide much-needed teaching aids.

Motherwell High, Mdengentonga Primary, Canzibe Primary and Mzimhlophe Primary schools are also benefiting from the initiative.

The foundation's executive director, Siya Ntsumpa, his mother, Amanda and entrepreneur Siyabulela Vaaltein started the initiative this year after realising the dire need for teachers in the Bay. "We first began using iPads at Elufefeni Primary last year and then decided to branch out and invite other schools. This method of teaching is easy to grasp and pupils can put a picture with the story," Ntsumpa said.

"We realised that with the problem of teacher shortages, there is a definite need for volunteers at these township schools. This school in particular has a teacher shortage so we're just trying to make these teachings interesting so that we can attract more volunteers."

The programme aims to enrich pupils through technology and allows them to have a broader understanding of literature and books.

The group visits one school each week to plan their schedules with teachers and pupils.

Ntsumpa said the routine was simple and the iPad lab was portable and easy to set up.

"Pupils from visiting schools come to Elufefeni to spend the day with them, introducing them to applications relevant to their curriculum," Ntsumpa said. - Chanice Koopman