Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE private sector has stepped up support for Government’s digital transformation agenda in the education sector, as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to connect schools in remote and previously marginalised areas to reliable power and internet services.
In the latest development, the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) has commissioned a solar power system and Starlink internet connectivity at St Francis Xavier Primary School in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, reinforcing national programmes aimed at narrowing the digital divide in education.
The intervention dovetails with ongoing Government initiatives such as the Presidential Internet Scheme, which seeks to ensure that learners across the country, regardless of location, have access to digital learning platforms and online educational resources in line with Vision 2030.
Established in 1961 in Chief Nelukoba’s area, St Francis Xavier Primary School had long operated without reliable electricity or internet access, limiting both teaching and learning outcomes. The installation of solar power and satellite internet is expected to significantly enhance classroom delivery, research capacity and digital literacy among learners.
Learners at the school welcomed the development, describing it as a turning point in their educational experience.
“We are very happy to receive the Starlink and solar system at our school. Now we can learn using the internet, and our studies will improve,” one pupil said.
Another learner added: “Before, we had no power and no network, but now we can use computers and learn new things. Thank you for supporting our education.”
School authorities said the new infrastructure would boost enrolment and restore confidence among parents.
“The system that has been installed at St Francis means a lot. Parents are now confident in this school because of the facilities that are available,” school head Mr Nicholas Siameka said.
POSB said the combined installation of solar energy and internet connectivity was designed to ensure uninterrupted access to digital learning tools.
“We believe that the internet brings endless opportunities for learners. Now they can also learn what other people are learning abroad and even locally. Now with technology and AI there is need for internet. The internet alone however, might not function if we have power cuts and that is why we are combining both the solar and the Starlink so that they have a connection throughout,” POSB Public Relations Manager Mr David Makacha said.
Education authorities echoed the sentiment, saying the development would improve teaching quality and learner performance.
“The Starlink will be available for both learners and teachers. It enables teachers to research, prepare content effectively and deliver lessons better, which we expect will translate into improved results,” Hwange District Schools Inspector Mr Walter Moyo said.
The support forms part of a broader US$8,7 million facility launched by POSB in October last year to fund the installation of solar power systems and Starlink internet kits across schools in the education sector.
