The
Orlando Pirates Learning Centre, supported by Acer Africa, is a unique project
designed to assist and improve the numeracy and literacy skills of the children
living in and around the Orlando township.
This
initiative adds in a significant way to Orlando Pirates’ long standing
tradition of community development.
“It
is from our involvement in the community that we know the difference that we
can and should make when our young people are at their formative ages. These
are the ages when they are impressionable. The foundation laid at these ages is
unshakable”, said Dr Khoza, Orlando Pirates chairman.
“We
are thankful to Acer, the Official IT Partner to Orlando Pirates, for
supporting our vision and helping make this initiative a success”, added Dr
Khoza. Orlando Pirates Football Club supported by Acer for Education will aim
to assist the community in eliminating illiteracy and teach children to embrace
the chance to learn. Together both parties aim to lead by example in uplifting
the community of Soweto and endeavour to take this innovating concept on
improving education by expanding learning centres across the country in the
near future.
“Our
former President Nelson Mandela called education the most powerful weapon one
can use to change the world, and it is with this inspirational thought that
Acer has decided the first of many Learning Centres to the children of Soweto”,
said Damien Durrant Country Business Manager for Acer Africa. Acer has a global
business unit which focuses solely on the education and the development
thereof.
The
Orlando Pirates Learning Centre will further aim to provide children with a
supplementary understanding of their school curriculum from 2013 including the
following subjects: Maths, Science, English. The Learning Centre has been fully
equipped with a number of Acer’s top of the line products as well as full
internet access thus offering invaluable training on various technology
hardware and software which will prove imperative when the scholars enter the
work force one day. Children will be required to qualify through a system run
between the Orlando Pirates Learning Centre and the surrounding schools.
About Orlando Pirates
Learning Centre
The
Learning Centre aims to work collaboratively with the Department of Education
to promote community cohesion, education and lifelong learning. Working in
partnership with schools from Soweto, Orlando Pirates will use the power of
football to excite and inspire the children from the community.
Located
in the premises of Orlando Stadium, the Learning Centre will be open six days a
week, catering for children between the ages of 8 and 16 years.
The Learning Centre,
with the assistance of Acer for Education aims:
•
To build successful relationships with schools and the various local
communities to develop and deliver exciting education initiatives which will
help inspire the pupils to achieve their learning goals.
•
Develop independent, motivated and confident pupils who are able to access all
potential learning opportunities.
•
Maintain a learning environment which is both secure and exciting, encouraging
high levels of pupil participation and expectations of achievement.
•
Raise standards in literacy and numeracy in line with the national curriculum.
Orlando
Pirates first team players will play an integral role in the Learning Centre –
motivating and inspiring the pupils through various educational activities.
