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Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Mr Enver Surty joined Orlando Pirates Football Club Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza in opening a state of the art Learner Centre in Soweto, Johannesburg on Thursday, 17 October 2012.

The centre, situated at the club’s home ground, Orlando Stadium, has two hi-tech classrooms with world class equipment boasting revolutionary software to help learners achieve their targets and become confident, contributing members of society. All equipment is supplied and supported by Acer Computers, a partner of Orlando Pirates Football Club.

The Learning Centre will support learners in Grades 5 - 7 in primary school and Grades 8 - 10 in secondary school. The Learning Centre will work in partnership with the surrounding schools, educators and school management who will nominate learners who meet specific selection criteria. These learners will then have an opportunity to attend the centre six days a week – after school and on weekend mornings.

The centre will focus on curriculum-aligned activities in Maths, Science and English while providing learners with an opportunity to become computer literate and familiarise themselves with the latest technological innovations to prepare themselves for the work environment.

“Through this educational initiative, which has been created specifically for the learners in Orlando schools and its surroundings, Orlando Pirates and their partners, Acer Computers, will uplift and develop the community in Soweto,” said Deputy Minister Surty.

“I am confident that your commitment will improve quality education and will foster values that can produce learners who can consciously use their talents to contribute to the resolving of future political, economic and social problems confronting South Africa and indeed the world,” Surty said.

Minister Surty added that the project was unique because its location means all 17 local schools now have access to state-of-the-art ICT facilities and will be provided with tuition and mentorship on a permanent basis.

Dr Khoza hailed the centre as a vital contribution to the empowerment and upliftment of the youth of Orlando, Soweto.

“This is a very emotional moment for me and the Orlando Pirates family. It is an opportunity for us to equip our young people with the skills to cope with the future,” said Dr Khoza.