Ministry of Education to bridge the digital divide in Zimbabwe's remote schools

Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has taken proactive steps to implement innovative alternatives that facilitate equitable education.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Torerayi Moyo, outlined the deployment of routers and servers to libraries and administrative blocks in remote schools.

Speaking during an interview, Moyo highlighted the ministry’s mandate to improve access to information in schools around the country.

"This initiative is a crucial step towards achieving our goal of providing quality, and inclusive education for all students, regardless of their geographical location by bridging the digital divide, we empower students in remote areas to access the same educational opportunities as their urban counterparts.

The availability of reliable internet connectivity enables students to explore online resources, collaborate with peers and teachers, and engage in interactive learning experiences. This innovative approach not only enhances educational outcomes, but also cultivates digital literacy among students,” said Minister Moyo.

In addition, the Minister stated that in an increasingly interconnected world, digital skills are essential for personal and professional success and there is need for intervention of different stakeholders.

"By providing access to online learning resources, we equip our students with the necessary tools to navigate the digital landscape and thrive in a technology-driven society, as we continue to explore and implement innovative solutions to address connectivity challenges, it is imperative that stakeholders collaborate to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these initiatives. This includes partnerships with internet service providers, educational organizations and community groups to explore cost-effective solutions and ensure that schools have the resources and support them to fully utilize these alternatives," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, The Ministry's commitment to bridging the digital divide underscores its recognition that access to education is a fundamental right for all children. Through implementing alternative connectivity solutions, it ensures that students in remote areas have the same opportunities to succeed academically and reach their full potential as their peers in well-connected regions.

Moreover, by empowering students with access to online learning resources, the ministry ensures that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st-century workforce and society.