Product category:
Microprocessors, Microcontrollers and DSPs
News Release from: VIA Technologies
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 02 October 2006
PC project trains disadvantaged youths
The IkamvaYouth computer lab in the South African township of Khayelitsha provides computer training to improve the prospects of the local youth and the community.
VIA Technologies has revealed details of a VIA pc-1 Initiative project that is making a real difference in one of the poorest South African townships, the IkamvaYouth computer lab in Khayelitsha, where computer training is improving the prospects of the local youth and the community Opened in May 2006, the IkamvaYouth tuXlab is now teaching the Operation Fikelela (Operation Access) e-literacy curriculum to dozens of grade 10-12 children, as well as offering computer access to the local community
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 18 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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In collaboration with the Shuttleworth Foundation and South Africa's Department of Social Development, IkamvaYouth has established the "tuXlab" computer centre in the township's Nazeema Isaacs Library, equipped with 20 VIA pc-1 PC clients running the open source Ubuntu Linux.
Staffed solely by volunteers, many of whom are ex-programme learners themselves, the not-for-profit IkamvaYouth is offering hope in a region beset by socio-economic problems such as mass unemployment, low skill levels and juvenile crime.
"The IkamvaYouth tuXlab is an important first step towards e-literacy skills development for the youth of Khayelitsha, and the students are very encouraged and excited to have gained a basic understanding of computers", commented Joy Olivier, Director and cofounder of IkamvaYouth.
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"Already the programme is showing results in terms of pride in their studies and enthusiasm to learn more, and once the lab has full Internet connectivity, our learners will also be able to communicate with their peers and volunteer tutors around the world".
"IkamvaYouth are an inspiration to the world in their commitment to drive social change in South Africa, and represents what is possible with the right mix of hope, enthusiasm and the generosity of the human spirit", said Richard Brown, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, VIA Technologies.
"VIA pc-1 is all about empowering people to help them improve their lives and those of the community around them, and the tuXlab is an excellent example of that spirit of collaboration essential for the success and sustainability of community development projects in emerging markets".
Khayelitsha, on the outskirts of Cape Town, is one of the largest and poorest townships in South Africa, with unemployment of over 50% and HIV affecting over a quarter of the population, where many live in shanty housing lacking basic utilities - an ideal target to spur community improvement through education by enhancing post-school prospects, and so inspire hope in the younger generation and try and stem the tide of social deterioration.
The IkamvaYouth tuXlab is managed by Nkosikho Sigaba and Xolani Ntandathu, two volunteers, and teaches a comprehensive curriculum focused on open source software, using the Ubuntu operating system developed by the Shuttleworth Foundation, OpenOffice and other popular applications.
Learners produce a relevant and tangible document in each lesson, such as a job resume or document relating to their further education, in line with the objective to provide practical training to enhance post-school opportunities.
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