Innovation in Education
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In the interests of developing human capital, the CDM’s Planning Unit has designed and implemented an educational innovation program called Connect with Cacadu (CwC). CwC is the installation of computer hardware and software at public libraries and other potential access points in local municipalities for free use by community members. Those areas with existing ADSL internet coverage were prioritized for connection. These included, Blue Crane Route, Camdeboo, Kouga, Koukamma, Ndlambe and Sunday’s River Valley Municipalities. To date, 14 libraries have received a total of 92 computers and there are approximately 5 000 registered users. A further ten libraries in Baviaans, Ikwezi and Makana Municipalities will be connected by June 2010. As the CwC system has been designed with the capacity to meet changing needs and demands of local communities, scope for a second phase has been identified, which is intent on assisting the adult user. ‘Adult Assist’ will provide users with relevant information in the form of electronic modules and information capsules that will enhance the awareness and understanding of rural communities and equip them to become productive responsible members of developing rural and urban societies. ‘Adult Assist’ is being formulated to be comprised of the following components that can be added to should the verified need arise: · Career Choice Awareness; · Tertiary Bridging Assistance; · Adult life skills and life style options; · Personal Finance Management. A primary characteristic of the Adult Assist interface is that the program has been designed as a web-based initiative. This allows the benefits of the program to extend beyond the local libraries where it is initially installed. It is anticipated that the Adult Assist program will ultimately be accessed via other institutions operational within the District, such as schools, community centres and clinics, thereby broadening the use and access to information by a diverse representation of district residents. This scenario has particularly far reaching benefits for the health sector especially when coupling the Adult Assist Interface with the ‘health-cybrarian’ as currently accessible via the CwC interface. As a possible ‘phase three’ design and system implementation, the CDM is considering formulating an independent ‘Adult Assist’ homepage that can be used via publicly accessed computers in district clinics. This could assist in the sharing and accessing of verified information on relevant health issues by members of the public and clinic staff while promoting associated life-style issues that hold pertinent ramifications for HIV / AIDS, hygiene, general health and wellness, social accountability etc. As stated above, the CwC (and soon to be Adult Assist) Interfaces hold a wide audience, currently standing at approximately 5 000 users which is likely to expand with the installation of the system in a further ten libraries. In a large and sparsely populated area such as the Cacadu District, this interface holds the potential for private companies to utilize the existing technology to broaden their consumer base and expand markets while meeting their corporate social investment requirements. |