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A song from the school choir. A poetry reading. A vivid dance team demonstration. An ensemble of very proud drum majorettes. Faculty and classmates were treated to student performances when they came together to mark something very special: The opening of Midrand, South Africa's Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School. Ponelopele was designed to uplift and provide a sustainable education institute to the local community; just two months earlier, in January 2007, the school opened to more than 1,300 students. And now they were ready to celebrate.
The campus—built through a partnership between Oracle South Africa and the Gauteng Department of Education—is situated just 10 miles from downtown Johannesburg, Midrand is home to students from an economically diverse population. The region has experienced speedy growth over the past decade, and Ponelopele will help the region's poorest families keep pace, "This school has learners from impoverished families," says Mokgopa N. Leso, Principal, Ponelopele Oracle School. "This is a wonderful opportunity for them. These learners, through Oracle, have a wonderful opportunity of really educating themselves and becoming responsible citizens of this country."
At the beginning of the millennium, Sergio Giacoletto—Oracle's chief executive for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region—met with South African president Thabo Mbeki to discuss ways the enterprise software giant could lend support to South Africa's educational system. This is one of several projects Oracle has committed to in the region.
The only secondary school in the area, Ponelepele features 24 classrooms, a science lab, library, a cooking room and a needlework room. Students also have use of two dedicated computer rooms, a school hall with a stage. And because it is located in Midrand—close to Oracle's South African offices—Oracle employees can remain directly involved with various initiatives at the school.
"This allows our staff to fill volunteer slots and assist the school wherever possible," says Nicky Sheridan, vice president and managing director of Oracle South Africa. "Oracle employees are highly educated, motivated, and passionate individuals. By investing in education, Oracle is ensuring that future generations of South Africans can have the same education, motivation, and passion."
According to Sheridan, Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School is a shining example of how corporate South Africa can work with government to address national issues—and create sustainable solutions. "This school is this is one of the best examples I've seen of a public-private partnership working fantastically well to the benefit of those most in need," he says.
And community members are appreciative of the results. "They not only gave us money, but they were partners in the management of the project," says Angelina Motshekga, member of the Executive Council, Gauteng Province. "The Gauteng Department of Education is highly appreciative of what Oracle's partnership with the state has done with the Ponelepele project. We want to express or most sincere gratitude and appreciation for the project."
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