In 2015, Trans African Concessions (TRAC) identified an urgent need to incorporate e-learning as a strategic tool to assist matriculants in achieving better educational outcomes. This decision was driven by the persistent educational disparities faced by students in under-privileged communities along the N4 Route, where access to quality teaching and resources was often limited.
By integrating advanced e-learning solutions, TRAC’s intention was to provide equitable access to high-quality educational content, enabling students to overcome geographical and socio-economic barriers and excel academically. This initiative not only sought to improve individual student and teacher performance but also to foster long-term socio-economic development within these communities.
It is for this reason that TRAC, the concessionaire of the N4 Route from Tshwane to Maputo in Mozambique, partnered with Ligbron Academy, which offers one of the most innovative and progressive e-learning solutions, particularly for learners aiming to achieve good matric results.
The Ligbron E-Learning System (LES) has a proven track record in delivering high-quality, interactive educational content tailored to the South African curriculum. The system offers a robust and scalable solution that effectively bridges the gap between urban and rural education by providing live, real-time lessons and support from expert teachers. This platform’s innovative approach, which includes the use of video conferencing, interactive whiteboards, and digital resources, workbooks and an APP aligns perfectly with TRAC’s vision of enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all learners.
The system not only benefits students but also empowers teachers, who are crucial to its successful execution. By providing educators with advanced teaching tools, real-time interactive capabilities, and a comprehensive suite of digital resources, the system enhances their instructional methods and reduces preparation time. This support enables teachers to focus more on individual student needs, facilitates professional development, and fosters a collaborative learning environment. As a result, teachers are better equipped to deliver high-quality education to learners in disadvantaged communities.
With an initial investment of R3.5 million from TRAC, the programme has thus far proven to be successful. So far, the system has been implemented in 17 schools along the Maputo Corridor, directly benefiting over 5,000 learners. It was successfully implemented in Middleburg at schools such as Phumelela Secondary, Mphanana and Middelburg Combined; and in Bronkhorstspruit at Wozanibone and Dan Kutumela Secondary. The roll-out also extended to schools situated on the far east of the N4, including Khayalami Secondary in Emakhazeni; Suikerland Secondary in Malalane; Komati Akademie in Komatipoort; and Siyifunile Secondary in Dullstroom.
Adri Fourie, TRAC’s Executive Manager for Human Resources and Corporate Social Investment, says that this initiative will help resolve the digital divide which often puts learners from underserved areas in a disadvantaged position.
“In addition to the problems posed by the digital divide, students from underserviced areas have to contend with limited access to quality teaching and insufficient educational resources. This solution has therefore become a game-changer, because learners from these areas can now achieve academic success comparable to their urban counterparts. As TRAC we do not regard this initiative as just another corporate social responsibility effort; it is a lifeline to hundreds of matriculants in these areas who also want to improve the quality of their lives through quality education,” she says.
