Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
GURUVE – THE national digital skills training programme has been rolled out in Guruve North, benefiting 250 people, in a significant step towards bridging the digital divide.
The programme, which primarily targets youths but also caters for various age groups and backgrounds, seeks to promote inclusive ICT literacy within the constituency.
Participants expressed their gratitude and excitement after receiving certificates for successfully completing the five-day training course.
“We learnt all the various computer programmes but my major interest was powerpoint, it can be used to make insightful presentations, marketing and advertising. I was taught that there is power in a point,” a participant said.
“I learnt a lot like Word, excel, spreadsheets and the internet. I could do other stuff but I learnt in detail and now I can do everything without challenges, my wish was to get the certificate or qualification to use in job application,” a beneficiary said.
“I want to thank the Ministry of ICT in collaboration with our ruling party, they came to teach us about computers, during our training I learnt a lot which allowed me to upgrade my knowledge,” a youth said.
Guruve North Legislator, Honourable Tendai Pinduka, applauded the government for its inclusive approach to ICT literacy as it will open doors for many of the beneficiaries.
“We would also want to appreciate President Emmerson Mnangagwa, you remember last year in Bulawayo he launched the national digital skills training programme. Here in Guruve North constituency, we have mobilised over 250 young people across the constituency with people with disability of all age groups to train foundational digital skills.
“The government is committed to preparing you for a smart future, digital skills training initiatives are aimed at bridging the digital divide and positioning you to drive socio-economic development through ICT. The skills you have acquired here will undoubtedly bolster your employability and entrepreneurial ventures,” Honourable Pinduka said.
The capacity-building programme is part of government efforts to leverage modern technologies to accelerate socio-economic growth.
Launched in February this year, the countrywide initiative, which dovetails with the Sustainable Development Goal number nine on industry, innovation and industrialisation and the National Development Strategy One, is targeting the training of 1.5 million young Zimbabweans.
