School kids attending the Orlando Pirates Learning Centre, supported by Acer for Education, have seen significant improvements in their marks for the critical subjects of maths and English.

The centre celebrated its second birthday yesterday, with news that more dynamic opportunities for learners to connect with their peers around the world are being explored.

The learning centre has already touched the lives of more than 1 500 children between Grade 6 and Grade 12, helping them to improve their maths and English abilities.

Testing before and after attending the centre shows that primary school children increased their English marks from an average of 55,67% to an average of 75,79%; with their maths marks improving from 41,33% to 64,79%.

High school children improved their English marks from an average of 50,37% to an average of 65,6%, with their English marks increasing from an average of 41,33% to an average of 64,79%.

The centre is run by a qualified education, Jude Capel, supported by two full-time staff members as well as volunteers from among the children who have already been through the centre and remain to help their peers. Qualifying learners are drawn from 14 schools in the area.

The aim is not simply for children to improve their marks, but to foster a desire for lifelong learning, while helping them to become computer-literate while learning the skills that will help them in their future jobs.

The centre is equipped with Acer technology including whiteboards, notebooks, desktops and connectivity, as well as a data centre at the back end.

“Acer is very serious about all types of education,” says Acer Africa’s Paul Collins. “We’ve for a two-year history with the Orlando Pirates Learning Centre and believe that we are delivering value to the community.”

Collins and Matthew Cocks, director of education devices at Microsoft EMEA, hinted at new features to be added to the centre, including hooking up with schools and football clubs around the world, allowing children to communicate and share ideas with their peers.

Pictured are Acer’s Paul Collins, Deputy Minister of Education Enver Surty and Orlando Pirates’ Frank Chakane.