SA schools to receive TV learning channel

 21 Oct 2004

 SA schools to receive TV learning channel


The country's primary school learners and educators are set to benefit from a new satellite television channel set to help improve their access to quality education.

Mindset Network will receive a R22 million towards the designing of technology and content based on the needs of young learners between ages of five and 13.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will make this donation over the next three years, following an agreement signed with Mindset Network this week.

Mindset Network is a non-profit organisation aimed at the personal, social and economic upliftment of South Africans by delivering free education materials via satellite broadcasts with supporting multimedia materials in print and Internet.

The network has developed, launched and managed a number of channels aimed at the needs of different target markets such as Mindset Learn and the Health Channel launched in August.

CEO Ann Lamont described USAID's support as a cornerstone to the network and promised the primary school channel suited to the challenges facing Africa would be available by 2006.

"We are indebted to USAID for this funding that will help bring relevant education to scores of learners and educators in languages they understand.

"USAID's assistance is a big boost for the channel and we hope other funders will join the effort to reach the number of desired schools," she said.

Mindset will research and source different material aimed at children in Grade R to 3, Grade 4 to Grade 7.

Numerous 60 hours video materials will be produced for Grade 4 to Grade 7 learners, while 30- hour video materials will be produced for educators in these phases.

"Programming will emphasise the historically neglected learning areas like mathematics, science and technology. Materials will be developed in line with the Department of Education's curriculum framework," she said.

Acting Director of USAID South Africa Carole Palma said cooperation with business, government, civil society and media partners was "a significant breakthrough to bring relevant and free education to South African learners and educators".

She added that educating children was vital to South Africa's future of economic growth and a lasting democracy.

Mindset's primary school channel will provide experiences in laboratories, factories, science centres and nature reserves where many educators and learners are unable to go.

The concept of the channel was tested in 50 underprivileged primary schools and programming could possibly be expanded to other African countries, starting in Kenya.

By Mahlatsi Mgidi, tel: (12) 314-2214


Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System. BuaNews