By Bernard Mutambudzi

In its bid to connect schools through the E-Schools Programme where all learning institutions in the country will have 100 percent access to computers, internet connectivity; President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to donate over 500 000 exercise books as well as 20 e-learners kits this week.

Under this programme, teachers will continue to train in ICTs, and schools will get the necessary infrastructure while those in remote areas will get renewable power energy such as solar.

President is set to be the guest of honour at Girls High school in Harare as Government seeks to build a strong foundation for national development through ICTs.

“The potential for ICTs as an economic enabler is overarching and well documented. Zimbabwe is to join the rest of the globe into the 21st century, we have to accelerate ICT deployment at all levels of our society and particularly into the basic education sector. The education sector plays an important role in equipping learners with ICT skills in order to unlock the economic enabling potential of ICTs,” said the event organiser.

“I believe Zimbabwe can also achieve economic development and restore its glorious fame as the ‘breadbasket of Africa.” What makes me feel more certain about this is the fact that Zimbabwe people are the most highly educated people in Africa and very enthusiastic about educating their children,” said the event organiser

“The goal of the project is to strengthen e-education and ICTs in primary and secondary education to capacitate higher and tertiary education utilising diverse methodologies for lifelong learning,” he said.

Governments from across the globe are now using ICTs for national development as the world is fast becoming an information society.

Zimbabwe has not been left behind in this global trend and the launch of this e-schools pilot programme is a befitting follow up to the National ICT Policy which was recently launched by President Mnangagwa.