'Mandela phones' launched for S African children

To promote anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela's vision of education for all children through using technology, a series of affordable mobiles and tablets pre-embedded with content on the life and times of the former South African President have been launched in the country.
The project by AG Media in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Foundation is a Mandela Day initiative as millions of South Africans are preparing to a 67-minute community service tomorrow in memory of the globally-revered leader's 98th birth anniversary.
All devices feature exclusive educational content and approved content never seen before about Mandela in the form of pictures, wallpapers, quotes and more.

The devices have been also pre-loaded with Madiba's Journey App where users can explore Mandela's "inspiring journey".
By finding key locations on the phone's mapping system, users can follow directions and immerse themselves in narratives from poignant moments throughout South African history.
Users will also be able to create a customised itinerary before embarking on their journey into Mandela's inspiring life.

In schools, where the Mandela Library project has already built a library, the devices will be donated on merit basis, like how many children attend the school and their needs.
AG Mobile's CEO Anthony Goodman said that encouraging learning and education among the children is the cornerstone of the Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Education Project.

"Literacy is the key to all education. We are looking towards the future where technology will play an increasingly important part of our literacy campaign, not to mention the fact that access to technology often accelerates the learning process," Goodman said.