Broadlink provides free internet to 2,500 learners in Orange Farm and Lenasia in South Africa

Mpheti Mahlatsi Secondary School in Orange Farm and Southview High School in Lenasia are each the recipients of 5Mbps Uncapped WDSL (Wireless DSL) connectivity service for the next 18 months courtesy of Broadlink.

Provision of the connectivity service, valued at around R198 000, is in joint partnership with 3P Learning, an international organisation that facilitates online learning platforms specialising in maths and literacy. While both schools had access to computers and some tablets, a lack of sufficient funding remained a stumbling block in providing a stable internet connection in order to make use of online education programmes.

Both schools will now enjoy the full benefit of 3P Learning’s maths content programme, aptly named Mathletics. In addition to providing internet connectivity, Broadlink also donated R100 000 towards the licence fees required for Mathletics. “Without the internet it was difficult to run online education programmes such as these, which are meant to help bridge the gap between the requirements for more connected and paperless education and the materials that can make that a reality,” says Nicole van Niekerk, Head of Marketing at Broadlink.

Penny Andrew, spokesperson for 3P Learning says that Broadlink’s investment in Mpheti Mahlatsi Secondary School and Southview High School will help promote quality education and better prepare pupils for life after school. “By Broadlink providing a reliable internet connection, teachers and learners now have the ability to use and update the Mathletics programme and make use of online tutorials. This is why we only partner with the very best technology and connectivity partners to assist with technical requirements as well as maintenance and upkeep, so we can focus on providing educational programmes for the pupils,” adds Andrew.

In less than a month from the time Broadlink became involved in the project, it fast-tracked installations at both schools so that 3P Learning could begin orientating teachers on the platform so pupils were able to start using the programme at school as soon as possible.

“Broadlink is very proud to be involved in an initiative that empowers individual learners to take their education in their own hands. Using the platforms provided by 3P Learning, together with much needed access to the all the benefits of being connected to the world globally, we feel these learners have a better chance for employability, furthering their studies and staying in the schooling system. Which is a win for everyone,” concludes van Niekerk.