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Teachers get lessons in computers

EMPOWERED: Zodwa Mbambo is one of the teachers who are being trained by the University of KwaZulu-Natal in basic computer kills. 08/04/09. Pic. Sne Masuku. © Sowetan.
EMPOWERED: Zodwa Mbambo is one of the teachers who are being trained by the University of KwaZulu-Natal in basic computer kills. 08/04/09. Pic. Sne Masuku. © Sowetan.

Sne Masuku

Sne Masuku

The University of KwaZulu-Natal's School of Information Systems and Technology has been awarded a contract by the provincial department of education to equip the province's teachers with basic computer skills.

This would mean that out of the province's 86 000 high and primary school teachers, 70 percent will be taught by the university the use of computers.

They will be taught basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail and the Internet.

The university has already trained 700 teachers.

The department of education Deputy Chief Education Specialist, Thami Nkabinde, said the university was chosen because it has the facilities, the infrastructure and the expertise.

He felt that this would be an opportunity for the university to give back and re-skill the community.

"We are educating the teachers, closing the digital gap and developing the skills base of the nation.

Once they are equipped, they will be able to impart their knowledge to their pupils " Nkabinde said.

The head of School of IS&T, Professor Manoj Maharaj, said the initiative is an integral part of the school's strategy of being a leading school of information systems in the country while still being actively involved within the community.

He added that the training was just the beginning of a series of interventions that were to be undertaken.

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