By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Zaka– ICT has to be a living reality for all schools and the government is targeting to install internet in rural schools under the National E-learning Strategy Plan.
Lack of internet in rural schools has led to the slow implementation of ICT in schools.
This was announced during the launch of Tafara High School ICT laboratory in Bikita East by the Deputy Minister for ICT, Postal and Courier services Dingumuzi Phuti.
The national e-learning strategy plan will ensure that communities are connected to the internet targeting those in remote areas.
He stated that no school should be left behind in terms of ICT as it is the only way to go, the world is going digital in terms of transforming all sectors of the economy.
“In their pervasive nature, ICTs are transforming all sectors of economy with our education sector not being left out. ICTs have become the corner stone for increased productivity efficiency and effectiveness in all economic sectors and facets of our everyday lives. Zimbabwe has embraced the vitality of digitalized educational platforms as we move towards attaining our vision of Zimbabwe becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030,” he said.
ZARNET Chief Executive Officer Washington Musungwa said the government’s aim is to provide reliable internet connectivity to the marginalized, disadvantaged and remote areas. This will help children to access education especially during the Covid -19 pandemic. This affected many learner and those in the rural areas have not been spared at all.
Tafara High School headmaster Solomon Manduvi commended the gesture that was taken and said the move will go a long way and will improve the students’ performance as well. Our main cry was internet connection and now we are happy will be able to access data.
In an interview with the Headmaster of Maringire Primary School, Tevera Tyanai he said that they are ready to go and all is set for them to push for ICT.
“For now the only thing that is delaying us is internet connectivity and this was slowing down progress.
“It is sad that our kids are learning ICT theory lessons and not practical, it is difficult to learn something theoretically and then try to implement it practically, we do not have computers at the school for the children to use as well,” he said.
