By Nangamso Mabindla
20 May 2008

LEARNERS from Mzamowethu Primary School, in the underprivileged Mzamomhle township in East London, now have the chance to become computer literate. This is thanks to the new multimedia centre received by the school from the Gonubie Rotary Club on Saturday, 17 May.

The centre boasts 24 computers, printers and television screens. The Rotary Club officially opened the centre over the weekend, with learners and teachers joining the celebrations.

Club president Sharon Otto said she was happy that the club was able to give something to the community of Mzamomhle, in Gonubie. "This is a community project and this day is about the community of Mzamomhle and the people that have made this a possibility."

Those that had contributed to the success of the multimedia centre included Buffalo City Municipality, the provincial department of education, the East London Rotary Club and the people of Mzamomhle.

Talking about how the project was initiated, the club's past president, John Jansen, said it was approached by the school for help in setting up such a centre.

"The school made a presentation and we decided to see where the Rotary could play a part. We tried to source international funding and also received assistance from the municipality and the provincial government … This has turned out to be a magnificent project we can all be proud of."

The school's governing body chairperson, Patrick Bonani, thanked the Rotary Club for turning its attention to the Mzamomhle community's future.

"I am very happy that we have such partners as the Rotary Club; it has made us realise our dream of having a multimedia centre in the school and so prepare our learners for the technologically advancing world."

He assured the donors that the community would ensure that the centre would not be vandalised. "This is a community asset and we promise to protect it to the best of our ability."