Vuyolwethu Sangotsha

Technology is slowly but surely becoming a part of education in rural schools.

Mhlwazi Junior Secondary School in Eastern Cape recently received the monthly computer centre giveaway in Vodacom's Yebo Millionaire's weekly game show.

The company gives computer centres to two public schools every month,

"The donation is part of Vodacom's commitment to investing in communities from which it draws its business," said Palesa Chabula, executive head of corporate communications.

Mhlwazi School is situated in the Ngcobo district. With few work opportunities, poverty levels are high and most of the people in the community are dependent on social grants.

Life is challenging, especially for the children. Some of them leave home at 5.30am for the 15km trudge to get to school by 8.30am.

The school caters for 300 pupils from grades R to nine. They are taught by 10 teachers in six prefabricated classrooms and two mud huts.

Siziwe Rwetshe, the school principal, said: "It's little wonder everyone is delighted with the new computer centre."