Story by Tamuka Charakupa
MORE than 2,000 young people in Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West Province, have been trained in information and communication technology (ICT) short courses under the Government’s Digital Ambassadors Programme.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, targets youths in remote and marginalised communities, equipping them with critical digital skills and ensuring they are included in the country’s growing digital economy.
Beneficiaries say the training has provided practical skills in computer literacy, internet use and online entrepreneurship.
“Coming from a rural area where access to computers is limited, this programme has given us a great opportunity. We are now being provided with computers and internet access in our schools, which is helping us learn and practise digital skills,” one beneficiary said.
Another participant said the training had broadened their understanding of the digital world.
“Through this training, we are not only learning how to use computers, but we are also being taught important areas such as cyber security, e-commerce and how to safely use the internet,” the beneficiary said.
Participants from rural communities say the programme is narrowing the digital divide by bringing technology closer to schools and communities.
“For us in rural communities, this programme is very important because it is bringing technology closer to us. With computers and the internet now available in our schools, we are gaining digital knowledge that can help us in our education and future careers,” another trainee noted.
Local leadership has welcomed the programme, saying it promotes inclusive development.
Hurungwe Central legislator Richard Ziki said the initiative is empowering young people with skills required in a technology-driven economy.
“The Digital Ambassadors Programme is empowering our youths with critical ICT skills that will enable them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy while also creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in Hurungwe,” he said.
Hurungwe West legislator Chinjai Kambuzuma said bringing digital training to rural communities ensures that young people are not left behind.
“Bringing digital skills training to rural communities ensures that no young person is left behind as the country moves towards a technology-driven future,” he said.
Government says the programme forms part of the country’s broader digital transformation agenda and comes ahead of the official launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy scheduled for Friday.
ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said building digital literacy among young people is essential for national technological advancement.
“For the country to achieve digital skills and digital literacy, we must start by empowering young people with basic ICT knowledge. These foundational digital skills lay the groundwork for advanced areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity,” she said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said the programme is ensuring rural communities take part in the digital revolution.
“Programmes such as the Digital Ambassadors initiative are critical in ensuring that communities in Mashonaland West are not left behind in the digital revolution. By equipping young people with ICT skills, we are creating opportunities for innovation, employment and sustainable community development,” she said.
Meanwhile, 10 schools in Hurungwe have also received internet connectivity through Starlink kits under the Presidential Internet Scheme, expanding digital access in rural learning institutions.
