The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
FOR some learners in the rural areas, Government’s computerisation programme has provided them an opportunity to experience using a computer for the first time in their lives.
It is a dream come true for a significant number of the learners to even have an opportunity to operate the device. Despite living in a digital world, some learners in rural areas have completed their high school education without handling a computer or laptop, which has left them disadvantaged when compared to the urban child.
In order to bridge this digital divide, Government is equipping rural schools in the province with computer and science laboratories as part of President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind, a development that has resulted in marginalised areas being uplifted.
Government, through the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), has this year equipped more than 1 000 school laboratories with computers and broadband services countrywide. These include universities that did not have ICT equipment. The parastatal targets to equip more than 600 school laboratories this year as part of efforts to improve connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
This programme is in line with the Second Republic’s thrust to leave no one and no place behind as it rallies to transform the country into an upper-middle-class economy by 2030.
Information, Communication, Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere and his deputy, Cde Dingumuzi Phuti recently commissioned the computer laboratories in 27 rural schools in Matabeleland South province. Fifteen of these schools are in Bulilima and Mangwe districts while 12 are in Gwanda.
In Masvingo, 14 school laboratories were commissioned last month. Each school received 30 laptops. Parents have said the capacitation of computer laboratories will help to elevate rural children who had been previously marginalised due to lack of access to information and adequate learning resources.
Ms Abigail Ndlovu
Ms Abigail Ndlovu, who is the School Development Committee secretary at Garanyemba Secondary School said it was a relief that Government was not only bringing laptops only but also addressing the issue of connectivity.
“We have had challenges in the past where computers were being donated to the school but children couldn’t access the internet. We are relieved that Government is not only bringing the devices but also working on connectivity. The world we are living in today requires children to not only access computers but also the internet.
“A lot of work requires children to research on the internet and this is where they can also see different opportunities that can elevate them in life. We are glad that our learners have these laptops as they will benefit them a lot. This will help to eliminate the digital divide,” she said.
Mr Gabriel Moyo, who has a child at Garanyemba Secondary School said it was pleasing to see that Government was keen on empowering the rural child.
Mr Gabriel Moyo
He said technology has advanced and it now requires learners to use laptops. Mr Moyo said this will help equip learners with key computer skills which they will use even in the corporate world.
Ms Sinothile Masuku, whose child learns at Tshazi Primary School, said it was a delight to see Government prioritising the teaching of ICTs at primary level.
“Teaching of computers has been confined not only to urban schools but also secondary schools. We are glad that children at primary level are now being taught computers. This will open their eyes and minds and help to keep them relevant. We hope that Government will sustain the programme because our children need it and all the learners will be able to access these ICT devices. During our school days, it wasn’t a bother to complete your secondary education without laying eyes on a computer but now it’s a huge concern,” she said.
Ms Thembekile Dube, who has a child at Nhwali High School, said it was a relief to see that Government has also incorporated schools in remote parts of the district under the programme.
She said remote areas are often neglected but Government has surely proved that it will leave no place and no one behind.
Ms Dube said there was need for Government to connect these areas that now have laptops as a matter of urgency to ensure that learners benefit from the equipment they have received.
“It’s also our desire that Government introduces ICT centres in the rural areas and capacitate them with laptops so that we can also benefit as parents. We also need to access information and ICT services so that we can remain relevant,” she said.
The commissioning of the computer laboratories is part of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which recognises that the creation of a digital economy will be key in the realisation of national priorities and overall socio-economic development. NDS1 identifies ICTs as a key enabler of economic development and the entrenchment of ICTs across all national development strategies is critical for the attainment of universal access by 2030. – @DubeMatutu
