Online Reporter
Shepherd Chimururi
Youth Interactive Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s vision of building an inclusive, innovation-driven digital economy under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) received a boost as 45 infant learners from Buhera District participated in the Dzidzo Inhaka Computer Science E-sports National Competitions held at Shining Smiles Hatfield Campus in Harare.
The participation of learners from one of the country’s predominantly rural districts demonstrates growing efforts to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban schools by expanding access to computer science education and digital learning platforms. It also reinforces President Mnangagwa’s mantra that “no child and no place should be left behind.”
Computer Science E-sports has evolved into an innovative educational platform that develops computational thinking, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, numeracy and literacy from an early age.
These competencies are central to NDS2, which prioritises ICT infrastructure, digital skills development and innovation as Zimbabwe works towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Dzidzo Inhaka Programmes Officer Mativisi Musingarime said the initiative is designed to ensure every child, regardless of location, has an opportunity to acquire future-ready digital skills.
“Computer Science E-sports is not just about competition. It is a practical learning platform that introduces children to computational thinking, coding concepts, collaboration and innovation while they are still in their formative years. Our objective is to catch them young so that digital skills become second nature,” he said.
The participation of Vhiriri, Betera, Chirozva, Chiurwi and Hukuimwe primary schools was made possible through a partnership between the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Buhera District Office and World Vision International.
The organisation invested in laptops, display screens and solar-powered computer laboratories to improve access to technology in schools with limited electricity.
World Vision partnered with Dzidzo Inhaka as the technical implementing partner, with the organisation training teachers in Computer Science and E-sports pedagogy while coordinating inter-house and district competitions.
The Buhera District finals held at Murambinda Growth Point selected learners who represented the district at the national championships.
Musingarime said partnerships are key to expanding digital inclusion.
“Our partnership with World Vision International and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education demonstrates what can be achieved when development partners invest in education. Together we are ensuring that rural learners enjoy the same opportunities as their urban counterparts and are fully prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.
Among the Buhera schools, Betera Primary School produced the best results, winning one gold, one silver and one bronze medal. Chirozva Primary School secured one gold and one bronze, while Chiurwi Primary School claimed one gold medal, highlighting the growing competitiveness of rural schools.
In the national infant category, Blossom Junior School which is coached by Aaron Moyo emerged overall champions with five gold, three silver and three bronze medals.
Avante Preparatory School and Shining Smiles Ziko Campus shared second place. Avante collected two gold, one silver and one bronze medal, while Shining Smiles Ziko won one gold, two silver and two bronze medals. Marciskool Academy finished third with three silver and two bronze medals.
Other medal-winning schools included Minnieland Junior School, Kim Kids Junior School, Betera Primary School, Acacia Junior School, Chirozva Primary School, Lynsfaith Junior School, Chiurwi Primary School and Tiny Tots Junior School.
In the Junior Category, Shining Smiles Ziko Campus emerged champions with four gold, seven silver and five bronze medals.
The team was coached by Annah Guze, who celebrated her 12th championship trophy.
Marciskool Academy finished second with three gold, four silver and two bronze medals, while Shining Smiles Hatfield Campus came third with four gold medals. Other notable performers included Tiny Tots Junior School, Kim Kids Junior School, Dawn Academy, Avante Preparatory School, Calvary Junior School and Tsala Centre.
Looking ahead to the third school term, Computer Science E-sports Zimbabwe, which has acquired the rights to roll out the programme from Dzidzo Inhaka, will expand the initiative to secondary schools. The competitions will resume in the third term.
