The Grand Opening of the first South African Solar School Computer Lab

On a beautiful warm and slightly windy day, the opening was a complete success and as one of the guests noted - enjoyed good attendance. The day started really with a meeting between Delano De Witt from the Dell South Africa Development Fund and Ron Wertlen from eKhaya ICT, as they drove from Mthatha airport to the school. In the meeting, Mr. De Witt described what the Dell SA Development Fund is looking for in terms of projects and noted that there was a positive future for the project.

At 10:00 a demonstration was held in the solar computer lab. Learners sat at the computers and read Wikipedia articles, watched educational videos and did interactive assignments using Learnthings material. All the guests were very impressed; some called it a model classroom. The security precautions were also of great interest to everyone.

At 11:00 on the dot, Mr. Qendu from the Department of Education (DoE) opened the ceremonial speeches, which were held in the Kwantshunqe church hall. During the programme the children from Bafazi and Kwantshunqe sang and danced. The vibrant singing of the Bafazi learners under the direction of Mr. Sandile even got some of the guests dancing on the stage. Speeches were kept short because the day was not about speeches, but about solar energy, computers, education and also about festivity. Caterers sponsored by SELF and all three schools fed all the guests and learners with a traditional nutritious and delicious chicken lunch. The schools further sponsored the hire of the hall and the sound system.

After the speeches there was a photo opportunity with the whole school in front of the solar panels. Dancing, prize giving for the winners of the school drawing contest (individually interpreted school logos) and more dancing celebrated the occasion. The winners of the competition were overawed to receive prizes (a certificate, stickers with their logo design and good quality drawing and writing sets) in front of the crowds of learners and it was quite a reward to be photographed and filmed as well. The logos were printed on stickers that mark and decorate now the computers.

A very successful launch, which informed, fed and entertained all those attending. The only criticism was that there were no earphones for the laptops, something we had not installed yet, because of hygienic considerations (but we are working on it).

Programme for the Grand Opening

1. 10:00 - 11:00 Demonstrations with learners in the lab
   

2. 11:00 Launch Ceremony
   

3. Welcome: Mr. Qendu (Department of Education, Elliotdale)
   

4. About the Project: Mr. Freling (SELF, USA)
   

5. Handing Over Ceremony: Mr. Freling and Mr. De Witt (Dell South Africa Development Fund, Johannesburg)
   

6. Response from the Schools: Mr. Ziduli (Principal, Zwelenqaba SSS)
   

7. Wireless for Community and Schools: Mr. Lissoos (Dabba Telecom, Johannesburg)
   

8. Future of the Project: Mr. Wertlen (eKhaya ICT, Grahamstown)
   

9. Final Word: John Bartlett (Department of Education, Eastern Cape)
   

10. 12:15 Choir
    

11. 13:00 Lunch
    

12. 13:15 Choir
    

13. 13:45 Further Lab Demonstrations and Discussions
    

14. 15:00 Close
    

Guest List

1. Mr. Robert Freling, SELF, Washington D.C.
   

2. Mr. Delano De Witt, Dell South Africa Development Fund, Johannesburg.
   

3. Mr. Ronald Wertlen, eKhaya ICT, Grahamstown
   

4. Mr. Rael Lissoos, Dabba Telecom, Johannesburg.
   

5. Mrs. Sonqishe, Idutywa Department of Education (DoE), cluster coordinator for e-learning, and two colleagues.
   

6. Mr. Safa, Idutywa DoE, labour relations CES.
   

7. Mr. Qendu, Elliotdale DoE, district officer and master of ceremonies.
   

8. Mr. Bartlett, Eastern Cape DoE, e-learning specialist.
   

9. Ms. Tshume, Nelson Mandela Institute, East London, and two colleagues.
   

10. Mr. Friend, Telecom Techniques, Port Elizabeth, and one colleague.
    

11. Mr. Smit and Mr. van Rensburg, Roshcon, East London.
    

12. Mr. Dalikwesi, tribal chief of the area.
    

13. Mr. Ziduli, principal Zwelenqaba SSS.
    

14. Mr. Mdunyelwa, principal Kwantshunqe JSS.
    

15. Mrs. Nelson, principal Bafazi JSS.
    

16. Several other teachers and principals of other schools attended the launch.