Star For Life distributes computers to schools…

One of the Star For Life Programmes is the skill development focusing on young people, Star For Life in partnership with Astra Zeneca (Sweden), Itea AB, Sigma AB and Chalmers a Swedish university have just provided 292 pentium4 computers and computer training to 22 high schools where it operates. The computer project began in 2007; in 2008 alone, 350 computers were distributed to 18 schools, within UMkhanyakude District to enhance learners’ development in computer application and IT.

This intervention is in line with the South African Department of Education vision that schools; particularly in rural areas have access to modern technology. “As an organization, we will continue with our partners to support schools and the department in the realization of this vision and this is a step into the right direction”, said Mr. Siphile Mdaka the Director of SFL.

Mr Mngomezulu, principal of Zandlazethu High School in Ngwavuma (KZN), echoed his heart felt gratitude’s: ’’all of my learners will now have an opportunity to learn the basic computer skills as they will take turns in using these computers; where-in it has been only few learners who have been accessing computers’’.

This computer project is one of the many ways in which SFL live up to its goals of inspiring young people towards academic excellence. ’’This year we will enjoy our Computer Applications examination writing since every learner will have access to computers’’ comments a Grade 11 learner at Makhasa High in Hluhluwe.

This project also aimed at introducing internet access to schools to allow learners and teachers to access information and communication with others. Another project that will benefit from this, the Partner School Project initiated by SFL which link local schools with international schools. This will enhance the communication between learners and teachers from different countries and cultures. At Banzana High school in Nongoma learners screamed their lungs in a gesture of showing their appreciation and one among the group, said: “bangani ngizoyifunda kuqala ngoba ngizohlale ngisesikoleni”, loosely translated as; peers I will be the first one to learn basic skills since I will always be present at school.


The project coordination has been the responsibility of Simingaye Zulu who has worked hand in hand with Chalmers University team Jan, Jens and Murkus who provided technical expertise and basic training all the way during project implementation.

The schools that benefited from this project are predominately in deep rural of uMkhanyakude District Municipality and seven schools based in Umlzi and KwaMakhutha township in Durban.

About 50 of these computers will support schools within Star For Life schools project in Namibia.

Interested in making a donation/sponsorship contact Star For Life,

http://www.blogger.com/siphile@starforlife.org or simingaye@starforlife.org http://www.starforlife.org/