Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is set to introduce Artificial Intelligence lessons at Early Childhood Development level as the Government intensifies efforts to build a knowledge-driven society and equip learners with future-ready skills.
This was revealed by Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera during a send-off ceremony yesterday for 17 girls, who will represent the country at the World Robotics Olympiad in Singapore.
Minister Mavetera said her ministry was working closely with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to ensure AI becomes part of the learning curriculum from ECD A and ECD B, marking a major step in transforming Zimbabwe’s digital education landscape.
“We are also happy that we are having a conversation with the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Torerayi Moyo) where we want to even introduce AI in ECD A and ECD B.
“This means that already we are now training and equipping our children for the future,” she said.
“The future right now… we cannot talk about development without talking about robotics and AI, and I’m glad that our President, His Excellency President Mnangagwa, has emphasised that we must develop our country through science, technology, AI and robotics.”
The send-off ceremony, organised for learners selected through Girls in STEM Trust competitions in partnership with the ICT Ministry, highlighted the country’s growing investment in digital skills.
Minister Mavetera said Government, together with private-sector partners, is also working to ensure all schools have internet access and at least 10 computers each, enabling learners to participate fully in the digital economy.
Addressing the team heading to Singapore, she urged them to represent Zimbabwe with pride.
“When you are given an opportunity to go and shine and represent the country, that’s a great opportunity… Well done and congratulations. This is your moment to learn and to bring the prize back home,” she said.
One of the participants, Nicole Maruni, said the team was determined to make the nation proud.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to represent the country and promise to bring the prizes back home,” she said.
Girls in STEM Trust director, Ms Victoria Nxumalo, said the organisation plans to scale up its training programmes next year.
