Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
JITI High School in Shamva has become the first rural institution to host an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub under a national programme that will see 500 such facilities established at schools across the country through public-private partnerships.
The commissioning of the solar-powered, containerised ICT hub coincided with the opening of the new school calendar, marking a significant step in efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural learners.
The facility, equipped with 40 laptops, Starlink internet connectivity, a smart television, a public address system and air conditioning, is designed to enhance digital learning and expose pupils to practical ICT skills previously beyond their reach.
Learners expressed optimism that access to modern equipment would improve both the quality and relevance of their education.
“We are expecting our learning experience to be better, we are expecting more computers, more laptops and bigger working spaces that will help us,” a student said.
“The coming of computers will help us study online, learn because we were studying computers without having access to them. I started learning computer sciences yesterday and I expect that I will improve lives,” another added.
The hub is a result of partnerships between a private company, Groundforce Industrial, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, and will be replicated in other rural areas to unlock opportunities and empower learners.
“Ministries agreed to work together for digital transformation in schools. Our vision is clear, schools must evolve into incubators of ICT skills equipping learners with competencies in digital literacy, coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies,” Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Service, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera reiterated.
“I want to thank Groundforce, they are building ICT hubs in the rural areas and it goes along with the vision of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who says no child must be left behind. Working together with government, they have started here at Jiti. We also have another private player uncommon, and they are doing a similar programme and have started in various places,” the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerai Moyo stated.
The leadership in Mashonaland Central Province welcomed government’s commitment to rolling out robust ICT infrastructure in the province in line with NDS2.
“Here in Mashonaland Central, we are determined to ensure our communities are not just participants, but active drivers of the ICT agenda. No one is supposed to be left behind and we are seeing that here in Shamva, a remote area, our children can now access ICTs and the internet,” Mashonaland Central Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Timothy Maregere said.
The solar-powered containerised ICT hub is equipped with 40 laptops, a Starlink kit, a public address system, air conditioning and a smart television to enhance the learning experience for the learners and teachers.
