Story by Gay Matambo
THE establishment of an Information Communication Technology laboratory at Ruzambu Primary School in Mwenezi through the Constituency Development Fund is on course with construction works expected to be complete soon.
As part of initiatives meant to bridge the digital divide in rural parts of Mwenezi district, funds from the community fundraising initiatives as well as the Constituency Development Fund were channelled to the construction of an ICT laboratory at Ruzambu Primary School in line with government’s digital inclusion initiatives.
Upon completion, the solar-powered computer laboratory is expected to promote digital equity, social inclusion and economic opportunities for the learners as well as the Ruzambu community.
“The world is changing to a digitalised world hence it’s important for our children to acquire ICT skills at a young age,” said one of the community members.
Another added, “What we are now asking for are computers to equip the lab. We are happy that as a community we are contributing to the development of our area with the assistance of the MP.”
“Our children were behind in terms of computer literacy hence this lab is a welcome development,” another community member noted.
Ruzambu Primary School Head, Mr Justen Chauke highlighted the importance of computer laboratories in improving the quality of education.
“We came together as a community and decided to construct this lab after we realised that the requirements of the newly updated curriculum need computer skills. To improve our pass rate without an ICT Lab at our school that was not going to be possible. Hence this ICT lab will surely transform the education sector in this area,” he said.
Mwenezi North Legislator, Honourable Master Makope lauded the Second Republic for making commendable efforts to bridge the digital divide.
“This school is one of the schools that are in marginalised parts of the district. CDF came in to assist a vision that had already been started by parents and this is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. We now need furniture and computers to equip this state-of-the-art computer lab,” he said.
The adoption of ICTs in schools is in line with the country’s target to achieve a digital economy by 2030.
