Joy at opening of Funjwa Computer Centre

The donation of 9 fully functional computers as well as desks, chairs and filing cabinets facilitated by SOLSA was accepted with joy and gratitude by the schools staff, pupils and stakeholders from the local community during a colourful ceremony on October 7th, 2004 at Acornhoek in Limpopo province. An elaborate programme was put together by the school staff in which many of the learners took part and which made all who attended feel very special. Many local dignitaries as well as a number of Seeds of Light volunteers from the U.S., including Leslie Temple-Thurston, founder of our sister organisation, took part in the ceremony. A local Department of Education official, the Area Councillor and others addressed the guests and it was clear that the opening of the centre was a significant event in the life of the local community, who see it as an empowering resource not only for the school but also for computer illiterate adults in the community. A number of presentations, including singing, dancing and recitals gave the occasion a very festive atmosphere and one speaker emphasised that such gestures between communities were evidence of nation building in action. I left Funjwa having forged many new friendships with the people of Acornhoek, an area that seriously lacks resources, having to promise to return soon. Tom