In a groundbreaking partnership, Dell Technologies and SHAWCO have launched the Kensington Solar Community Hub in Cape Town, a transformative facility designed to elevate the well-being and educational opportunities of the local community.
This expanded hub now encompasses a medical clinic alongside its existing educational programs, providing vital digital skills and International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) certifications.
Jackie Stewart, Executive Director of SHAWCO, underscored the significance of collaborating with Dell Technologies on this pioneering Solar Community Hub in South Africa. This initiative stands as a potential template for fostering positive change, showcasing what can be achieved in other regions of South Africa and beyond Dell’s Giving programs. It highlights the shared commitment to nurturing the growth and impact of digital literacy and addressing social disparities in the country, particularly related to access to technology and essential resources.
Read also: Microsoft’s nuclear-powered data center in SA might cost $1bn
A Joint Commitment to Empowerment
Dell’s Solar Community Hubs serve as a gateway to the digital economy, offering not only essential services but also empowering individuals with digital skills. With 12 hubs spread across South Africa, SHAWCO operates mobile health clinics at these facilities, providing free medical consultations and health education to those in need.
Natasha Reuben, Head of Transformation at Dell Technologies in South Africa, emphasized the importance of this partnership in ensuring that the Kensington community receives dignified healthcare. The initiative extends crucial support by bringing healthcare, education, and social services to the community, contributing to progress through collaborative efforts.
Doug Woolley, Managing Director for Dell Technologies in South Africa, echoed Reuben’s sentiments, highlighting the hub’s pivotal role in supporting comprehensive community growth. He expressed excitement about expanding the mission to provide digital access, particularly with the addition of a valuable healthcare facility.
The Kensington Solar Community Hub boasts several notable features. The community-managed health clinic is equipped with multi-purpose rooms for health screenings and various healthcare services, with the support of Dell Solutions.
Within the clinic, SHAWCO operates its Beyond Education Health Clinics and Violence Protection Programme, addressing the broader healthcare needs of the community.
The hub’s structure, a merger of three units into two 40-foot containers, accommodates up to 23 computer users. Community members have the opportunity to earn ICDL certification, granting international recognition for their computer skills and enabling them to become certified trainers.
The hub offers comprehensive training in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with coding classes to nurture valuable digital skills. Summer School lectures from the University of Cape Town are broadcast at the hub, expanding educational horizons for community members.
In the future, the hub plans to include rainwater collection, further enhancing its capacity to serve the community’s diverse needs.
Empowering Communities through Progress
This visionary partnership reflects the shared commitment of Dell Technologies and SHAWCO to uplift communities by providing critical resources, healthcare, and educational opportunities. The Kensington Solar Community Hub represents a model of progress and empowerment, fostering digital literacy and enhancing the well-being of the Kensington community in Cape Town. It stands as a beacon of hope and progress, demonstrating the transformative power of partnerships that focus on the well-being and digital empowerment of communities.