Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
GOVERNMENT’s digital literacy programme is transforming teaching and learning at St Bernards High School in Bulawayo after the institution became the first in the city to receive Starlink internet kits under the initiative.
The connectivity upgrade has positioned St Bernards as a digital trailblazer, enabling learners to actively engage with technology and apply digital tools to problem-solving, research and innovation.
Students at the school are now using the ICT laboratory to conduct online research, develop projects and explore software applications that build practical skills aligned with modern industry demands.
“We use our ICT laboratory to research for our projects,” one student said.
Another learner added; “I love coming to the lab because I get to work with different software. I am very passionate about computers, I want to be a computer scientist. Computers are my favourite subject,” another student said.
Addressing participants during the St Bernards Digital Literacy Programme on Friday, Junior Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Unathi Mlalazi, said digital literacy had become essential for young people.
“Technology is no longer a luxury, it is now a necessity and ouths must be digitally literate in order to navigate today’s interconnected society,” said Junior Minister Mlalazi.
The initiative aligns with the Second Republic’s Education 5.0 model, which emphasises innovation, industrialisation and skills development.
National University of Science and Technology (NUST) representative Mr Sibangiso Ngwenya said the programme was born out of collaboration between Government and tertiary institutions to empower young people.
“It all started with collaboration between the Junior Minister and NUST in formulating this programme. It is now up to us as leaders to work together with young people to achieve Vision 2030 by empowering them with digital skills,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Dingumuzi Phuthi, said the Government was committed to ensuring no school is left behind in digital transformation.
“I commend the school for being trailblazers in upscaling digital literacy. Such programmes should be replicated nationwide so that our children are prepared for industry,” he said.
The Government’s digital literacy programme seeks to nurture digitally skilled learners capable of driving innovation and technopreneurship as Zimbabwe advances towards a knowledge-based economy.
