Samsung talks education and ICT Skills at 5th Innovation Africa

Samsung Electronics Africa has announced it will be taking part in the fifth Innovation Africa Summit taking place at the Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda from 30 September to 2 October 2015. Over 40 African ministers, deputy ministers, and cabinet secretaries from 30 countries are expected to meet and share insights on education, innovation and ICT skills development in Africa.

“We are excited to be participating once again at this event and look forward to engaging with ministers and their delegations about innovations and solutions that respond to African problems. It is critical for Samsung not to have a blanket approach but rather tailor make solutions, and Innovation Africa gives us the opportunity to share insights with the different ministries and officials,” says Corporate Citizenship & Public Affairs Manager, Abey Tau.

At the Summit Samsung will showcase the Solar Powered Internet School (SPIS) solution that has been rolled out throughout the continent in countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Mozambique, to name a few. At the end of the Summit Samsung will surprise one local Ugandan school by donating the SPIS to them, adding Uganda to the growing list of countries benefiting from the SPIS. 

All meetings that Samsung has secured with the delegates will take place in the SPIS, built in a 12-metre renovated shipping container that can accommodate up to 24 pupils, and fitted with solar panels that power the equipment. 

Furthermore, it is equipped with a 65-inch large-format display screen, a teacher’s laptop, Samsung notebooks, a printer, and fans to cool the container. The classroom’s computer server is loaded with educational content that covers the entire basic education syllabus, allowing facilitators to teach any subject or grade. Energy efficient LED lighting and an IP camera, which is designed to use 3G connectivity, allows for remote classroom monitoring.

“The donation of a SPIS aligns well with our philosophy that technology and education go hand-in-hand. Projects like the SPIS are at the forefront of integrating ICT into Africa’s education models and illustrate our commitment to innovation. We hope the SPIS positively impacts the people of Uganda and provides them with tangible solutions which will enhance the lives of learners – the future leaders of our continent,” concludes Tau.