Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
MORE than 4 000 pupils from Chitsa area in Gutu are set to benefit from the fully furnished Mbuya Mary Simbi library which was commissioned this Saturday.
Government says it continues to work with it’s partners to ensure an inclusive educational environment where all pupils including those from rural schools can thrive.
The community library in Gutu rural will be equipped with computers, a development described as key for the learners.
“As a community, we are happy with this development as it will assist our children to learn and study at any time of the day with internet access. The most exciting news is that it will not only assist school children, but the community at large, those who want to pursue their education, do their applications online etc can make use of this facility,” Chief Chitsa said.
“As pupils, this development has come at the right time. Remember, most of our work needs research and now we are able to come here and do our researches and we hope this will ensure improved pass rates in many of our schools,” said a student.
Speaking after commissioning the community library, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerayi Moyo said the new library addresses the digital divide and compliments the Presidential Computer Scheme.
“This initiative effectively eliminates the digital divide between our rural and urban schools, complementing the Presidential computer scheme that aims to provide computers to schools across Zimbabwe. This facility is designed not only to benefit school learners but also to serve as a technology hub for the entire community. It is crucial that we foster a spirit of community responsibility in ensuring the sustainability of such initiatives,” said the Minister.
The project is being led by Dr Divine Simbi Ndhlukula and her family motivated by the need to empower their community.
“I grew up in this area and as a family we are so passionate about empowering others especially the girl child through education. I realised that some of the challenges that our rural pupils face inclide limited access to reading material hence we decided to put up a library here. However, a library alone was not enough hence we equipped it with computers and now we have installed solar system and internet to ensure children around this community also have internet access for research,” said Dr Simbi.
The Second Republic and it’s partners have made significant efforts to bridge the digital gap between rural and urban schools through establishing fully equipped computer laboratories, ensuring access to electricity and internet connectivity.
