GQEBERHA- About 850 learners at Fontein Full-Service School in Gqeberha are set to benefit from improved access to digital skills training following the launch of a solar-powered mobile digital laboratory.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies in partnership with Microsoft, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and implementation partner Deviare, launched the facility on Monday, 19 October.
The lab is designed to provide learners, educators and members of the surrounding community with access to digital literacy training, artificial intelligence (AI) education and technology tools, including Microsoft Copilot.
Its solar-powered system is intended to keep the facility running during electricity disruptions, allowing learning activities to continue independently of the local power grid.
The launch was attended by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim and Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Cllr. Babalwa Lobishe.
Speaking at the launch, Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana Chief Executive Ziaad Suleman said access to digital skills and reliable infrastructure was essential to preparing young people for the changing world of work.
He said the initiative sought to bring technology and learning opportunities directly into communities, particularly those facing barriers to digital access.
“The solar-powered lab enhances inclusivity, ensuring infrastructure constraints are not an inhibitor to skills development,” Suleman said.
Malatsi said the project demonstrated how partnerships between government and the private sector could help widen access to technology and support economic participation.
He said digital infrastructure should be viewed as essential to social development rather than a luxury.
“Meaningful digital transformation requires action, not just discussion,” Malatsi said.
Fontein Full-Service School principal Gary Groenewald said the facility would give learners an opportunity to develop skills while exploring career possibilities in an increasingly technology-driven world.He emphasised that, the school was committed to ensuring that the investment made a lasting difference to learners and the wider community.
The Gqeberha facility is the second solar-powered mobile digital lab launched by Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
Its development was informed by the company’s Innovation and Digital Skills Centre in Mthatha.
According to the company, the Mthatha centre has enrolled and trained 515 learners, recorded a 96% pass rate and helped 149 learners secure employment opportunities directly linked to the digital skills they acquired through the programme.
At Fontein Full-Service School, the training will include foundational digital literacy and AI skills with exposure to tools intended to help learners participate in the digital economy.
Deviare is also co-sponsoring free foundational digital training through its platform.The initiative comes amid continued efforts to expand digital skills development and access to technology in communities that have historically faced infrastructure and connectivity challenges.
While the launch marks a new opportunity for learners at the school, the longer-term impact will depend on sustained access to training, equipment and opportunities to apply the skills acquired.
For the learners of Fontein Full-Service School, the facility offers a practical starting point for developing skills that could become increasingly important in further education and the workplace.
Courtesy of IMAGES: Liquid Intelligent Technologies
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