MOPANE - The unique Mopane Secondary School officially opened its new R500 000 computer centre last week, built entirely from the school’s own funds.

The new centre is fully air-conditioned, provides for 50 computers and is the result of the school’s declared policy of keeping abreast of the latest computer technology in the interest of all its learners. There are 37 computers in the existing computer centre.

"We realize the absolute importance of computer literacy for all learners. Therefore, the parents were well motivated to make the necessary capital investment," says the principal, Mr Johan Fick.

All learners from Grade 6 to Grade 11 are computer literate and receive daily computer classes. Each learner receives computer instruction totalling two hours per week.

The school accommodates 214 learners. Of them, 111 are hostel dwellers. At present, the school fees are R130 per quarter. The hostel fees are R1 100 per quarter. The hostel is unique in that hostel dwellers remain in the hostel for seven days a week, every week, if they so wish. There are no compulsory closed weekends.