Angie Motshekga, Minister for Basic Education addresses at Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School
By MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG – ORACLE, the computer technology corporation, has provided US$3,3 billion (R44 billion) in resources globally to help prepare students for life and work in the modern technology-driven economy.
Dorian Daley, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Oracle, disclosed the figures on Monday in Midrand, South Africa at the tenth anniversary of Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School.
“Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School is a remarkable reflection of this commitment to worldwide education, and we are delighted that our collaboration with the Department of Basic Education has helped make a difference in the lives of thousands of children and their families,” said Daley.
Daley was among dignitaries at the ceremony, alongside Angie Motshekga, Minister for Basic Education.
Established in March 2006 under a public-private partnership between Oracle Corporation South Africa and the Gauteng Department of Education, Ponelopele is a no-fee school that now admits more than 1200 Grade 8 – 12 learners annually.
Supported by more than 60 school staff, the Midrand-based school has consistently delivered exceptional results. In 2016, the school secured 66 distinctions with the top performer alone achieving 7 distinctions.
Furthermore, since 2009 (the first batch of matric students), the school’s matric results have consistently been higher than the national average score.
Besides providing financial assistance for building the school facility, the Oracle team in South Africa continues to be involved with various programs in the school.
These include career days for students; teacher development programs; bursary initiatives; teaching robotics with Lego technology; extra Mathematics, Science, and Accounting sessions, as well as various employee volunteer programmes.
Motshekga said the success of Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School was an example of the effectiveness of a public private partnership to achieve common goals.
“Today’s milestone is a testament to the commitment and relentless efforts of the school administration; the Oracle team and our students who have worked hard to make the most of this wonderful opportunity,” said Motshekga.
– Guardian
