Story by Bruce Chahwanda
HARARE – THE government is working on delivering One Laptop Per Child as part of providing digital learning tools to rural and urban learners, with more than 10 000 teachers and lecturers set to be trained in Artificial Intelligence annually.
As part of bridging the gap between rural and urban learners, government is set to partner with other countries towards promoting inclusive growth.
In a Post Cabinet Media Briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said public-private partnerships will be adopted to enhance teacher development and equitable access to digital tools.
“As a way forward, the Government of Zimbabwe will partner with the Digital Schools and Global Skilling Academies of the United Arab Emirates to harness the potential of solar energy, digital education, skills development, and public-private community partnerships, to drive inclusive growth in Zimbabwe’s rural communities. Additionally, the Government of Zimbabwe will further strengthen Competence-Based Education and Training reforms,” he said.
“More than 10 000 teachers and lecturers will receive annual training in artificial intelligence and digital literacy. To promote inclusivity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, government will leverage the One Laptop per Child initiative’s subsidised model. This strategic partnership aims to provide affordable access to digital learning tools, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, and empowering students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to joining the Trans-Kalahari Corridor came under discussion.
“On its part, the Government of Zimbabwe is committed to joining the Trans Kalahari Corridor, a transport and trade route that will contribute to the increase and harmonisation of trade between Zimbabwe and Namibia, and the Southern African region. Government commits to ensuring that the Walvis Bay Dry Port, becomes fully operational and Zimbabwe will join the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor connecting Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a bid to boost trade and enhance regional integration,” Dr Muswere said.
Dr Muswere further highlighted the importance of joining the Trans-Kalahari Corridor in line with the region’s industrialisation agenda.
In the past week, Zimbabwe hosted high-profile meetings, with the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas Conference and Summit being the major highlight.
The launch of the country’s Carbon Trading Framework and Carbon Registry on the sidelines of the summit also attracted the attention of the cabinet.
