The Vodacom Foundation, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, has launched its Schools of Excellence (SoE) model at Nkone Maroping Primary School in Braamfischerville, Soweto, expanding efforts to improve access to quality education through technology and infrastructure development.
The initiative includes an investment of more than R1 million at Nkone Maroping Primary School, which serves approximately 1,200 learners. The funding aims to strengthen digital inclusion and expand educational opportunities for learners and educators.
The launch also included more than R800,000 worth of support for Asha Braamfischer Pre-school, reflecting the foundation’s approach to supporting learners from early childhood development through primary education and beyond.
Vodacom South Africa’s Fibre team also announced plans to provide fibre connectivity to the school and homes in the surrounding learner community. The initiative aims to extend access to digital learning resources beyond the classroom and help families connect with online educational opportunities and services.
Vodacom South Africa Chief Executive Officer Sitho Mdlalose said connectivity at school and at home can help learners continue exploring educational resources outside school hours. He added that the company’s ambition is to make digital inclusion meaningful in people’s everyday lives.
The Schools of Excellence model combines technology, infrastructure improvements and dedicated support for learners and educators. Facilities may include upgraded computer centres, security systems and sanitation facilities, alongside ICT coordinators who provide technical assistance and psychosocial support professionals who help address violence and gender-based violence.
In Gauteng, Vodacom’s programme has established six Early Childhood Development centres and four Schools of Excellence, including Nkone Maroping Primary School. A fifth school is nearing completion, with construction reported to be 95% complete.
Nationally, the initiative has expanded to more than 39 Schools of Excellence, 39 ECD centres and 10 Youth Academy centres, creating opportunities for more than 30,000 learners through improved access to quality education and digital learning resources.
Launched in March 2019, the education ecosystem aims to improve access to quality education in previously disadvantaged communities and support the government’s Vision 2030 approach to education. It connects schools with early childhood development, teacher development and digital skills training, including nearby Teacher Centres and Vodacom ICT Youth Academies.
Through its combination of connectivity, infrastructure and learner support, the Schools of Excellence model seeks to create more inclusive learning environments and help prepare young people for opportunities in an increasingly digital economy.
