Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
JUNIOR Parliamentarians in Mashonaland Central Province have received Starlink kits from Government as part of efforts to strengthen the schools’ digital literacy programme and bridge the digital divide in both rural and urban areas.
The initiative, launched on Thursday, is expected to improve access to Information Communication Technology (ICT) in schools across the province.
Students expressed excitement over the opportunity to learn in the digital era.
“We thank our President for giving Starlink to every school, we will learn better with these kits, and we have been empowered. It is a huge milestone in this digital era,” a student said.
Junior Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Munashe Murengwa, commended Government for continuing to empower students, noting that the kits build on last year’s tablet distribution.
“They are boosting innovation and creativity. Now, internet access is available to everyone, even in rural areas. The kits will provide a broad learning experience, which is essential for fostering innovation and creativity. This initiative comes at a time when the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, together with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has forged synergies to bridge the digital divide in schools.”
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, said the deployment of the Starlink kits reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive development, digital transformation, and youth empowerment in line with the National Development Strategy Two under Vision 2030.
“Access to the internet is now a basic necessity for modern education and development. By deploying these kits, Government is ensuring that learners in both rural and urban areas benefit from digital learning opportunities.”
This year, Government plans to roll out 500 ICT hubs at rural schools across the country through a public-private partnership arrangement, further enhancing digital education for Zimbabwean learners.
