Story by Mercy Bofu
Rural schools in Masvingo have become the latest to benefit from the Second Republic national e-learning programme after 12 fully furnished computer laboratories were commissioned in the province.
The 12 schools are from Masvingo, Gutu and Chiredzi districts.
A pupil who is benefitting from the programme told the ZBC News, “We thank the government for bringing computers to our schools, the development has helped us in terms of research.”
“This is our opportunity to use computers, especially for our CALAs and research,” another said.
The move has been met with excitement in the three districts where community leaders are convinced no one will be left behind in the digital empowerment drive.
“Our President is walking the talk as he always says no one and no place will be left behind. Computerising schools in rural communities benefit all the people,” a traditional leader said.
The national e-learning strategy is expected to benefit all learners across the country.
The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said, “As we journey towards vision 2030, all communities must be digitally empowered, all areas, all learners must have access to e-learning and digital skills.”
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honorable Ezra Chadzamira, said the programme will go a long way in capacitating the children in the province.
With the Postal & Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe – POTRAZ playing an active role a total of 45 schools have already been computerised under its universal services fund this year.
“By the end of the year, I’m sure we would have computerized more than 400 schools,” noted POTRAZ Director General, Dr Gift Machengete.
The government recognises that ICTs are key in ensuring economic development, hence the crafting of a Master plan which is meant to guide the country’s industrialisation drive.
