Samsung Invests in Multi-million Rand ICT Project in KZN School

Pioneering Innovation Hub showcased at unveiling ceremony at Adams College in Kwa-Zulu Natal

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 25 February 2020 – Valentines Day 2020 in Mbumbulu in Kwa-Zulu Natal got the hearts of educators, learners and parents beating for all the right reasons. Samsung South Africa unveiled an ICT Innovation Hub that will benefit the community for years to come. Adams College became the proud recipient of a R2,5 million facility that will create access to computer literacy, the internet, basic IT and coding skills in remote communities. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who was also key note speaker; Premier of Kwazulu-Natal, Mr. Sihle Zikala; MEC for Education in Kwazulu-Natal, Mr. Kwazi Mshengu and President and CEO of Samsung Africa, Mr. Sung Yoon amongst other guests.

This project is a part of Samsung’s ongoing vision for its global citizenship initiative, Enabling People. The vision reflects Samsung’s commitment to helping the future generation fulfill their true potential and work towards a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Samsung is continuously working to build on and expand the programs offered to young people across South Africa, in partnership with Government.

“As a human-centred company we are committed to technology that makes a difference where it really counts. We want to place technology in the hands of eager learners and support community and social development. This reduces isolation, bridges the digital divide and promotes the narrative of shifting traditional teaching to a digitalised one. It is also another positive step to positioning South Africa at the forefront of the 4th Industrial Revolution and that is truly inspiring, “says Hlubi Shivanda, Director of Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

Samsung’s core focus as a passionate corporate citizenship is to aid sustainable development for quality education, and supporting the United Nation’s vision of digitising education over the next few decades. The innovation centre has been built in Adams College in Mbumbulu – a deserving recipient of this initiative with a proven record of academic excellence. In 2019, the college achieved matric results far above the national average including a 96% pass rate and 461 distinctions received.

The Samsung ICT Innovation Hub includes:

• A fully furnished ICT Classroom that seats 60 learners
• Samsung desktops and keyboards
• 65” interactive learning board
• Learning software that allows learners to track their school work and assist them with completing their tasks on time
• Training for teachers who will be teaching computer literacy, IT, and other related subjects

The learners will be taught coding in the lab. The is a Learner Management System (LMS) installed as part of this solution.

“Today the 14th of February 2020 is an historic day. We are thankful to Samsung for this generous gift. However, it does not just serve us but will impact the entire community and neighbouring schools. We are considered as 19 schools in one because of our impact on other schools, so the legacy of this facility will prepare many more learners for a future filled with possibility, “ said Thulani Khumalo, Principal of Adams College.

About Adams College

It is a historic Christian mission school in South Africa, associated with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). It was founded in 1853 at Amanzimtoti a settlement just over 20 miles (32 km) south of Durban by an American missionary. The settlement there is known as Adams Mission. The college’s alumni include Presidents of Botswana and Uganda as well as several ministers and leaders in South Africa. It is recognised as a historic school.