Telkom exposes learners to ICT opportunities

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Pretoria - Over 1 000 Eastern Cape learners are today participating in the annual information and communications technology (ICT) career expo.

In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, Telkom is hosting a total of 1 200 learners across the province. The ICT Careers Expo is an initiative of the Telkom Foundation, the company's corporate social investment arm.

The initiative was created to broaden the horizons of young people, empowering and inspiring them to make use of opportunities in ICT.

Learners in Grade 10 from Qumbu, Mount Frere, Dutywa, Ngcobo and Libode districts are partaking in the expo held at the Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha.

Head of the Foundation, Sarah Mthintso, said ICT could make a significant contribution to transforming the country.

"Telkom witnesses the power of ICT every day. We know it can make a telling contribution to transform our country and indeed the continent in many different ways. We want you to discover the world of ICT and understand more about its many possibilities," she told the learners.

Mthintso stressed that mathematics and science were the core building blocks for success in the ICT sector.

"I call on you to master maths and science and involve yourselves in the world of ICT. If you do, you will equip yourself to excel in the workplace of tomorrow and you will transform yourself into a very valuable member of team South Africa," she said.

An ICT Career Expo will also be held on 21 April at the University of Zululand. Altogether, more than 40 schools from underprivileged parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape are benefiting from the Career Expos.