Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
FOR years, pupils at Beitbridge Mission Primary School had to share a limited number of computers, taking turns during ICT lessons as the institution struggled to provide practical digital learning opportunities to its more than 1 000 learners.
For the school’s 53 learners with special needs and hundreds of other pupils, access to computers was often restricted by time and availability.
That situation has now changed following the renovation and upgrading of the school’s only computer laboratory by the ZimBorders Consortium, which equipped the facility with 25 desktop computers and improved internet connectivity, ushering in a new era of digital learning at the border town’s oldest educational institution.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the refurbished computer laboratory last Wednesday, ZimBorders Consortium shareholders’ representative Mr Travor Ncalo said the project supports national efforts to expand access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in schools while contributing to human capital development in line with the Government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The project reflects increasing private sector involvement in promoting digital literacy at grassroots level and preparing Zimbabwean learners for a technology-driven future.
ZimBorders is the consortium that partnered with the Government in the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post, a project that cost approximately US$300 million.
Since completing the border modernisation project, the consortium has continued investing in community development initiatives across Beitbridge District. Mr Ncalo said the company’s interventions are informed by a commitment to strengthening social protection systems and supporting sustainable community development.
“We recognise the importance of embracing digital migration in the education sector from the grassroots and primary level. Children must learn ICT skills early so they are ready for the future. We will continue exploring more ways to help the community. The computer donation shows our company’s belief in starting digital education at primary level.”
ZimBorders general manager Mr Nqobile Ncube said the initiative forms part of the consortium’s broader strategy of fostering strong public-private partnerships.
He said the company remains committed to giving back to the community and supporting Government development initiatives through targeted social investments.
“We have heard the needs that come with caring for children in these facilities. As we move from NDS1 to NDS2, the pillars are shifting to social security. Bigger corporations must make sure children are in school and have basic needs.
We are moving with the Government on this,” he said.
Beitbridge Mission Primary School, which is run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ), caters for more than 1 000 pupils, including 53 learners with special needs.
The school also operates a boarding facility accommodating 12 girls and six boys with special needs and has, for many years, grappled with inadequate ICT resources.
School head Mrs Monica Ndlovu said prior to the donation, the school relied on only 20 computers to serve the entire learner population, with classes averaging 40 pupils, forcing learners to share devices during lessons.
“That has now changed. With the 25 new computers and renovations done by ZimBorders, the lab now has more than 45 working computers. Previously we could not give every child enough time on a computer. Now we have a full set. Each class can come in and learn practical ICT skills. The school administration has also been given computers and internet by ZimBorders, so we can keep records and communicate better,” said Mrs Ndlovu.
This is not the first time the consortium has assisted the school. Earlier this year, ZimBorders donated 130 pairs of school shoes to pupils at the institution.
For many families in Beitbridge, the cost of school footwear remains a significant burden, and the donation helped ease financial pressures while enabling learners to attend school with dignity.
ELCZ Education Secretary Mrs Thumisang Thabela, a retired national education secretary, said the donation aligns with the country’s broader development agenda.
“This gesture by ZimBorders fits well into NDS1, NDS2 and Vision 2030 on human capital development, ICT and innovation, and private sector engagement. When children learn computers early, they gain skills for jobs and for life,” she said.
