Equipping rural learners with tablets to advance digital learning

Grade 12 learners from Manoshi Secondary School celebrate after receiving 20 high-grade 11-inch tablets, each equipped with a wireless keyboard and backpack, to enhance their learning experience. Photos: Forgive Hlungwani

 By Rinae Manenzhe – publicatoions@ul.ac.za

As part of its community engagement initiative, the University of Limpopo (UL) is empowering learners at Manoshi Secondary School in the Capricorn District by providing essential computer skills and modern learning equipment to prepare them for a technology-driven future

Funded by BANKSETA and implemented through UL’s Rural Development and Innovation Hub (RDIH), this initiative was launched in 2021 to address computer literacy challenges faced by postgraduate students who struggled during high school. Feedback from these students prompted the University to extend the programme to rural schools in Limpopo, helping learners build strong digital foundations before entering higher education.

During a recent visit to Manoshi Secondary School, UL donated 20 high-grade 11-inch tablets, each equipped with wireless keyboards and backpacks.

“We partnered with BANKSETA specifically for this programme to deliver digital literacy training at Manoshi Secondary School,” said Lucky Moamba, Community Engagement Officer at UL. “We assist Grade 12 learners with essential computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and university applications — and this year, we’ve added coding to the curriculum.”

Moamba emphasised that the initiative aims to   prepare learners for life beyond high school.

“Learners are acquiring practical applications at university and in the workplace. As we delve deeper into the digital era of computers, coding, and robotics, we recognised the necessity to reach out to rural schools like this one.”

While Manoshi Secondary School is currently the primary focus, the project also encompasses six schools in the Mankweng area.

“We chose Manoshi due to our strong relationship with the school and because BANKSETA’s funding supports 20 learners here,” Moamba explained.

The partnership between UL and BANKSETA began in 2024 with the Digital Fluency Programme. In 2025, BANKSETA expanded its support by funding two additional projects — the Digital Literacy Programme and the School Support Programme; benefiting 50 learners in mathematics, physical sciences, and accounting across two more schools.

Lucky Moamba, Community Engagement Officer at UL’s RDIH handing out tablets to learners.

Educator Mthulisi Mokgomotsi Ramashala from Manoshi Secondary School expressed optimism about the project’s impact on learning outcomes.

“These tools will significantly enhance learner’s preparation for their final exams. They can now download past question papers, access online resources, and watch educational videos. It’s an incredible privilege to be recognised by UL.”

For the learners, the experience has been equally transformative. Grade 12 learner Belgratia Maloka shared her enthusiasm.

“When they called my name to receive the tablet, it felt like winning an award. I’ll use it for research and assignments. Before this programme, I knew very little about Microsoft, but now I’m confident and ready for university studies.”