MAPAKONI - Because they are situated in one of the poorest remote rural areas in South Africa, most of the learners of Mapakoni Primary School, outside Musina, have never seen or touch a computer.

The school needs an ordinary computer or a typewriter to make life easier. The 161-learner school, with learners from Grade 1 to 7 and six educators, is too poor to afford an ordinary computer or a typewriter.

The principal of the school, Mr Rabelani Mananzhe (51), said although the school still needs decent buildings, the need for a computer is a first priority, because the world is becoming more technologically advanced. He said the school does not have money because the enrollment of learners is low and they do not get any financial assistance from elsewhere.

“We understand and respect the power of nature in placing these kids in this remote rural area. But at times they do not have enough learning aids as most of them come from very poor families. They only see computers in papers and they won’t even see them on the TV because the reception is too poor. The acquisition of the computer will also assist the school in typing examination papers because we are forced to spend the little we have by typing and making copies for examinations. We humbly appeal to businessmen and other members of the community to rescue us for the benefit of these poor kids whom we must groom to be our future leaders.”

The schools’ misfortunes were worsened when strong winds carried away the roof of two classrooms, which the local community raised money to erect. Manenzhe said it would be easier to operate the computer as there is electricity in the school.

“If we can get the donation, life will be easier because we want our kids to be equipped with computer knowledge like those in urban areas. It is not a curse to find oneself staying in a rural area, but there are more things that we cannot do on our own and we depend on the community to extend their helping hands.”