The Learning Lab at this school was set up in April last year. It was the first lab to be established as part of a partnership between Nedbank and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD). The partnership was formed to help to uplift South African communities through education and access to technology.

“This partnership forms part of the international 50x15 initiative and we see it as another innovative way to meet the needs of South African communities and level the playing field via technology so that those in the developing world can compete effectively with their global counterparts,” says Boardman.

In 2007, the partnership donated a total of five Learning Labs to schools across the country and they have made a real difference to learners, teachers and communities that utilise them judging by comments made by some of the Grade 11 users at the Dr Nelson R Mandela High.

In the words of Grade 11 pupil Mkhuseli Moleki, “Last year I was struggling with my subjects at the beginning of the year. ... Then I started with my maths assignments using one of Nedbank-AMD computers and I passed it. At the end of the year I waited for my results and I passed Grade 10. So all I want to say is that if Nedbank-AMD didn’t sponsor us I couldn’t have been in Grade 11 this year.”

The Learning Lab gives teachers and learners access to the Internet and new ways of learning and developing as individuals. It is also a resource for the wider community.

“A year after receiving our Learning Lab, our students are using it for their daily lessons in maths, science and English and to complete assignments and projects. The standard of their work has improved – and of course the teenagers are up to date with celebrity gossip, thanks to the Internet!” says Aletta Pretorius, ICT teacher.

Grade 11 learner Nolukhanyo Mabulu gave an idea of how empowering their new skills feel: “The lab is a nurturing environment. If I am at the Nedbank-AMD lab I don’t like it when they say the time is over because I love being there. Nedbank-AMD you have helped me into many things and even gave me information and a place to feel at home.”

She adds, “It is the lab where you can feel free and do your things in a flexible way. It is the lab that encourages you to do more.”

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