Schauenburg Education Trust Officially Opens New Digital Learning Hub at Athlone Girls’ High School

The Schauenburg Education Trust has officially opened a newly upgraded CAT (Computer Applications Technology) Learning Hub at Athlone Girls’ High School in Johannesburg, marking the successful completion of its Lighthouse Project, which aims to advance digital education opportunities for young women.

The official opening ceremony celebrated the transformation of the school’s digital learning environment through upgraded internet and WiFi infrastructure, modern classroom technology, enhanced digital learning capabilities, and a dedicated CAT learning space designed to better prepare learners for the demands of an increasingly technology-driven world.

Athlone Girls’ High School, a respected institution with a proud history spanning more than 100 years and serving over 1,000 learners from Grade 8 to Grade 12, now has access to significantly improved digital learning resources that will support both learners and teachers for years to come.

As part of the project, the school received upgraded networking infrastructure, improved campus-wide connectivity, replacement of non-functional WiFi access points, and the introduction of new laptops and digital learning tools to support CAT education.

The Lighthouse Project forms part of the Schauenburg Education Trust’s broader mission to help bridge the digital divide affecting many South African schools by creating sustainable educational opportunities and empowering learners through access to technology and skills development.

Speaking at the official opening, Sibongile Mkhabela, Trustee of the Schauenburg Education Trust, said the project represents an investment not only in education, but in the future of young South Africans.

“We wanted this project to create something meaningful and lasting for the learners of Athlone Girls’ High School,” said Sibongile Mkhabela. “Access to technology and digital education can fundamentally change the opportunities available to young people, especially girls. We hope this learning hub becomes a space where learners discover confidence, ambition, and the skills needed to shape their future.”

Fellow Trustee, Ettiene Pretorius, said the project demonstrates the importance of collaboration between education and industry in helping prepare learners for the modern world.

“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for changing lives and strengthening communities,” said Ettiene Pretorius. “Through the Lighthouse Project, we wanted to create an environment where learners and teachers have access to the tools and resources needed to unlock potential and inspire future careers in technology and beyond.”

The school’s leadership welcomed the completion of the project and the long-term impact it is expected to have on the broader school community.

“This is a proud and emotional moment for our school,” said Nakesh Salikram, Principal of Athlone Girls’ High School. “The upgraded CAT Learning Hub represents an opportunity for our learners in a very real and practical way. Many of our students come from communities where access to technology is limited, and this project opens doors that will help shape their futures for many years to come. We are sincerely grateful to the Schauenburg Education Trust for their investment in our learners and our school.”

Zimvo Diko, the CAT educator who will be teaching within the new facility, said the upgraded learning environment will significantly enhance the classroom experience for learners.

“The excitement from the learners has been incredible to witness,” said Zimvo Diko. “Having access to reliable technology, improved connectivity, and modern equipment creates a far more engaging and effective learning environment. This hub will allow learners to develop practical digital skills that are becoming increasingly important in both higher education and the workplace.”

The Schauenburg Education Trust believes initiatives such as the Lighthouse Project demonstrate how meaningful partnerships and targeted educational investment can create long-term impact within South African communities.

By investing in digital education infrastructure and learner development, the Trust hopes to continue helping young people access brighter opportunities and become future-ready in an increasingly connected world.

“When you light up one school, you help brighten the future of an entire community.”

About Schauenburg Education Trust

 

The Schauenburg Education Trust focuses on selecting and financing students to obtain qualifications that have been identified as scarce skills and which will ensure that these skills are available for employment in South Africa. The Schauenburg Education Trust focus’ on providing bursaries to students in the fields of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.