The Edunova Learning Centre, fast becoming known as the ELC, has become a reality!  Teachers have already been receiving training and the systems implemented are going through a phase of testing to see how well the technology and service responds.  So far, all has been positive and excitement abounds.

The support being received continues to be phenomenal.  Anyone who has developed and maintained a resource centre will know that the setup and infrastructure costs and needs are significant.  Most recently the generosity of the AMH Group has enabled the Edunova Learning Centre to have carpeting as well as all the chairs necessary for a good learning experience – we are grateful to corporate partners such as the AMH Group who recognise that involvement in community development demonstrates value to staff whilst also making a direct impact on the education gains in our country.

Education partners, technology vendors and content providers have been asked to participate in this partnership and a continued programme of engagement with these partners will form part of the strategy to maintain the relevance of the centre. Maskew Miller Longman, Sherston, Synergy, Obami and Mindset have already contributed to the Edunova Learning Centre and we are trusting that many other partners will make a contribution toward the centre so that the beneficiary school leaders, teachers, children and parents can benefit.

A programme of events and activities (Term 2, 2011) (2MB pdf download) is now in place and as from the second term a structured framework of learning sessions will form the backbone of activity in the centre. School Principals will be gathering at the ELC to learn about how it will be providing support to their schools and also to share how they, and their staff, can be involved in the facilities. Having the support and buy-in of school Principals is vital and a constant forum for engagement with school leaders is in place and will continue to be developed and supported by Edunova.

A very important dimension of the Edunova learning Centre is that it becomes a working model that is documented, costed and shared with organisations, donors, provincial leaders so that the functions can be replicated in other communities around the country.  The business processes lying behind the face of the ELC are therefore an ongoing part of our contribution toward building structures to support schools in challenging circumstances.

Updates will be provided on a regular basis so that all partners and interested individuals can share in this exciting project.  Whilst a huge amount of progress has been made the Edunova Learning Centre still needs to work toward becoming sustainable in it’s own right and the need for new partners and ongoing support remains a priority.  Therefore, any parties or individuals interested in finding out more should contact us so that we can show you around or discuss the plans for the future.