Staff Reporter

Villagers in Bulilima District in Matebeleland South have praised Government’s initiative to introduce three Information Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories in their district.

Before the laboratories were established, teachers within this district would rely on text book drawings for lessons related to ICT. At times they would have to travel for more than 100km to Plumtree town just to type simple notices.

One person who could not hide her joy was uGogo Mlambo who said ZANU PF had indeed assured them that her district and grandchildren were not second class citizens anymore. She said the embarrassment of her grandchildren being told what a computer was by children from urban areas was now in the past.

“Previously, because of lack of resources, we would have our children being humbled by city children when it comes to ICT related topics. Some of the few lucky children would take advantage of a visit to a relative’s house in Bulawayo or Plumtree just to see what a computer looks like. I would like to thank our President Emmerson Mnangagwa for this initiative,” said Gogo Mlambo.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu commended the Second Republic while praising President Mnangagwa’s Administration for a speedy counter reaction to the Covid-19 shocks.

“This is commendable the Government is seeing to it that we empower our children in the rural schools so that they catch up with the digital trends. It will make it easier for both the learner and the teacher and as a Ministry we are grateful. The Government is not leaving any place behind,” said Minister Ndlovu.

Meanwhile, Government through Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dzingimuzi Phuti has since handed over 90 laptops, three projectors, three printers and three white boards to three schools in Bulilima on Saturday, reaffirming the Second Republic’s commitment to close the gap between rural and urban areas. The three schools which received these are Sikhathini High School, Mathambo Primary School and Malalume Secondary School.