Story by Owen Mandovha
THE Digital Skills Ambassador Programme which was launched a month ago by President Emmerson Mnangagwa is making a positive impact on the youth from Matapi Flats in Mbare who are already benefiting from the programme.
The choice of Mbare to debut the programme roll-out was befitting and inclusive.
“I am happy that this programme started here in Mbare because we were left behind in so many ways,” a youth said.
“As an aspiring entrepreneur, I have learnt that one can get skilled on business skills on the internet by using the computer,” another added.
A government delegation led by ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Honourable Tatenda Mavetera this Wednesday a joined class session which was conducted in a Digitruck donated by Chinese tech giant Huawei.
Minister Mavetera reflected on how the programme will be a game-changer in this modern digital era.
“The President launched the programme last month and we have started with Mbare. We are going to cover all marginalised areas in the country. This resonates with the quest to create a digitally equipped nation.”
Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Senator Charles Tawengwa says this is more than just an ideal digital youth-oriented programme, but a vital drug-busting strategy for young people.
“As Harare, we have to ensure that we deal with the scourge of drugs which is affecting our youths hence this programme will be crucial in ensuring that the youths are occupied and not be indulged in drugs.”
More Digitrucks will be introduced to enhance the programme which will see up to 10 000 digital ambassadors being deployed under the initiative.
Next month, the Presidential Internet Programme will be launched to connect more public institutions to the internet countrywide.
