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Through the provision of high-speed internet to schools across the province, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has now connected almost 850 000 learners and 25 200 teachers to vital eLearning resources. These figures, disclosed in the Department’s recently-tabled 2022/2023 annual report, provide yet more evidence of the WCED’s concerted push to provide the technologically-integrated education of tomorrow.

According to the report, the WCED has provided Broadband internet to 1 296 schools in the Western Cape, and has established Wi-Fi networks at 902 of these. This rapid rollout of internet-related infrastructure has allowed more learners than ever before to access a wealth of educational resources – and has allowed teachers to enhance and improve their lesson plans.

In addition to this, the WCED has worked to integrate tech into in-person teaching. The report also reveals that 9 981 Smart Classrooms have been constructed across 806 schools thus far. A further 1 657 Smart Classrooms across 273 schools have been commissioned for the coming financial year, thus increasing the number of learners accessing enhanced learning resources. Finally, the WCED ensures that teachers get the most out of the additional resources for their learners, with 4 793 educators trained in these technologies in the last financial year alone.

These measures come at a vital time for the WCED, as the learning losses incurred during the pandemic still loom large. The Department’s Back on Track initiative – designed specifically to reverse these losses – often relies on eLearning and online classes to reach as many learners as possible. As such, the rollout of these measures is not only an investment in the future, but a direct counteractive measure to one of the most devastating effects of the pandemic lockdowns.

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Education Deidré Baartman says: “The innovation and commitment to learning excellence shown by the WCED is an example of what can be done when our learners’ interests are put first. With 850 000 learners now benefitting from eLearning facilitated by the WCED’s broadband internet rollout, we are on track to eradicate learning losses, and get our children the education they need to succeed.”

Issued by Deidré Baartman, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Education