The GOVERNMENT is set to commission at least 800 computer laboratories in schools across the country this year, as part of its quest to proffer adequate technological capacity for learners.
Since the beginning of the year, at least 72 schools’ computer laboratories have been commissioned and equipped with more than 2 160 laptops. A model computer laboratory has 30 computers.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) director-general Dr Gift Machengete said the programme is important to the education sector as digital skills are set to become mandatory in schools.
“Schoolchildren need to understand computers and there is a need to establish digital schools. This is what we are doing so that no child is left behind,” he said.
Dr Machengete said they are working tirelessly to bridge the rural and urban digital divide to enhance access to information and communications technologies (ICTs).
“We are concentrating more on underserved areas, where people are lagging behind. This does not mean we are neglecting the urban areas; we have since set up community information centres in all parts of the country,” he said.
In 2022, the Government equipped more than 1 117 computer laboratories in schools and tertiary institutions with gadgets, and at least 170 community information centres were commissioned to enhance access to ICTs.
“We equipped 1 117 school laboratories last year and that includes universities which did not have gadgets. In 2021, there were very few, just above 20, because of the lockdown and in 2023, our plans in terms of laboratories are around 650,” he said.
Dr Machengete said they are lobbying the authorities to push the rural electrification drive so that they can cover more schools in hard-to-reach areas.
The Government has pledged to adopt a comprehensive digital learning environment as part of efforts to attain Vision 2030, and in line with global standards.
The objective of the national e-learning strategy is to transform the education sector through development of adequate technological capacity for both learners and educators regardless of geographical location or economic circumstance.
Most rural schools have now been connected to the global village and underprivileged children are browsing their way to the top through the schools’ digitisation programme. Potraz has also connected 955 clinics with internet broadband countrywide.
Also, the State entity has given computers to the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to capacitate vulnerable children under their care. – Sunday Mail
