Staff Reporter
Gwamure High School in Gokwe is the latest beneficiary of the Presidential Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programme, as the Second Republic intensifies efforts to promote inclusive development across the nation.
The initiative, aimed at providing rural schools with essential digital tools, include a donation of 250 laptops and printers to various schools in the Midlands Province. The programme, first announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa earlier this year in Somabhula, is part of a broader vision to enhance educational standards across the country.
Speaking at the event, yesterday, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, spoke on the significance of the ICT donation.
“The Presidential computerization programme confirms the Second Republic’s commitment to bridging the rural-urban digital divide by providing quality education, guided by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal number 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable education and promoting life-long learning opportunities for all.
“This ICT initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 strategy, which emphasizes teaching, research, community service, innovation, and industrialization. The goal is to prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce, transforming the country’s educational landscape. By adopting this strategy, we are producing school graduates who are ready for the world of work,” Ncube explained.
Gwamure High School, situated in a previously marginalized area, is expected to experience a significant improvement in its academic environment due to this donation. The new ICT resources will enhance students' research capabilities and improve overall academic performance.
Gwamure High School Headmaster, Mr Milton Zhou, expressed his deep appreciation for the ICT donation, emphasizing its transformative impact on the school.
“Before this donation, our students faced significant challenges with research, and our teachers struggled to deliver effective lessons due to a lack of resources. This programme is set to revolutionize how our learners engage with technology, improving educational outcomes across the board. By equipping young people with essential digital skills, both in and out of school, we are contributing to Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030,” he said.
For the students of Gwamure High School, the availability of laptops represents a transformative shift in their learning experience.
“We used to feel embarrassed during ICT classes because we had no practical experience with computers. Now, we can conduct research and complete assignments with ease, just like our counterparts in urban schools,” shared one student.
Another student added, “This donation bridges the gap between us and students in towns. We now have the tools to learn and grow in a digital world.”
The ICT programme is a key component of President Mnangagwa’s broader development agenda, aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their geographical location. By investing in ICT infrastructure, the Second Republic is paving the way for a digitally connected future, ensuring no student is left behind as Zimbabwe embraces the advances of the technological age.
This initiative reinforces the Government’s commitment to empowering the next generation with the digital skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century, helping Zimbabwe take a significant step toward achieving its Vision 2030 goals.
