Earlier in August, the Hazyview Digital Learning Centre was finally opened. A project that has been years in planning and months in the building, the opening was a very special day for the Good Work Foundation as well as the people in the communities surrounding Hazyview who will be positively affected by this leapfrog learning centre. The centre aims to offer both adult and children the opportunity to register for the Learning centre, use the digital facilities inside and empower themselves with the skills necessary to gain employment in the future. Below are a couple of pictures I took of this brand new centre. It is both an inspiring and humbling experience to wander through the facilities and see the results of visionary thinking, financial donations and much hard work! Enjoy…
The pathway up the Hazyview Digital Learning Centre
The building looks north towards the hills surrounding Hazyview
Upon entering the ‘Barn’ (so named as it was previously a farmers barn) learners are greeted with the Tree of Knowledge. Conceived by the GWF and built by Simon Bannister, this incredible tree is make from recycled computer parts and stands at over 10 ft high! The tree was a dream to stand as a symbol that we should be African and great. We can still learn under the tree from our elders and teachers but because it is connected to the internet we can now sit under the tree and access the world on iPads, Tablets, Phones.
Recycled hard drives, wires and fans are built into the side of this Tree of Knowledge
Young learners sit and watch a movie underneath the tree. For many of these learners this is their only opportunity to embrace the skills, literacy and ideas that will help them to succeed in life.
An image of a young learner with an iPad adorns the interior of the barn
On the northern side of the building, classrooms are kitted out with computers and internet access.
Both adults and children have access to the machines once registered and given their time slot. From educational programs to something as simple yet powerful as Google search, it is hope that this type of access will provide the leapfrog learning necessary to catapult rural South African citizens into the 21st century
Adult digital literacy in action
Looking back at the Hazyview Digital Learning Centre
The primary sponsor of the project is T Systems. Other sponsors include Londolozi, Nedbank, Microsoft, Vodacom and Mustek. Special mention must also go to the Hosanna Community Project where the learning center is situated.
As with many projects which are developed to benefit and empower previously disadvantaged people, they require ongoing work and attention. One of the Good Work Foundation’s main roles in the Hazyview Digital Learning Centre is to manage the project, curriculums and development of new learning initiatives. Already many corporate donors have contributed sums of money which are being used to directly fund individual learners through the Learning Centre. If you would like to get involved or contribute in some way, shape or form you can find out more on the Good Work Foundations website HERE.
Photographed by: Rich Laburn
This is the MOST amazing project!!! So fresh and SUCH a new way of education— WELL DONE all so very proud!
It warms the heart to see opportunity in learning and skills open up to people who did not have access before, education is for the betterment of all mankind. Thank you!
How exciting — and LOVE the Tree of Knowledge! May all that study there flourish beneath its branches!
Unbelievable work Katie, you can be incredibly proud of what you have all achieved!