Online Reporter
Mabvuto James Ngoma, Chronicle Correspondent
A DIGITAL learning dream has come true for Ntenjane Adventist Primary School in Bulilima District after receiving 10 computers and a Starlink kit donated by Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Cde Dingumuzi Phuti.
The move is aimed at enhancing e-learning and bridging the rural digital divide. The school is located in the Gwayi area along the Bulawayo-Solusi Road in Bulilima District.
The development is expected to boost digital learning at the school and fulfills Cde Phuti’s pledge made to the community during the 2023 election campaign period.
Handing over the consignment on Friday, Deputy Minister Phuti, who was represented by a member of the ZANU PF Central Committee, Cde Charity Ndlovu challenged the School Development Committee to connect electricity at the computer lab so that learners can make use of the computers.
“I am fulfilling my promise that I made during the campaigns. President Mnangagwa emphasises on leaving no one and no place behind. I have done my part,” he said.
“I challenge the SDC and school administration to do classroom tubing and connect electricity otherwise the computers will be of no value without electricity.”
The Deputy Minister also pledged to assist in the construction of a secondary school within the community to help ensure that learners from Ntenjane Adventist Primary School do not walk long distances to access secondary education.
In an additional gesture of support, Cde Charity Ndlovu also committed to paying school fees for two learners until the completion of their primary education.
“May the school select two learners who are in the lower grades that I can pay fees for until they finish Grade Seven,” she said.
The handover ceremony was attended by the SDA Church’s South Zimbabwe Conference education director, Mrs Zibusiso Sibanda who spoke on the importance of Education 5.0 and the integration of technology into learning.
She highlighted that the donation aligns with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum and Education 5.0 framework, which emphasises innovation, industrialisation, research, problem-solving, and the development of practical technological skills among learners.
The donation of laptops and internet connectivity is expected to greatly enhance teaching and learning at the school, particularly in areas such as ICT practical lessons and computer literacy, online research and e-learning, access to educational resources and digital content, science and innovation projects, teacher development and training, and improved communication and administrative efficiency within the school.
“Looking at the benefits of Education 5.0 and the wonderful gifts that we have received, we want to thank our honourable MP, who is here represented by umama uMaNdlovu, we are so grateful,” said Mrs Sibanda.
School head Mrs Nomagugu Mwanza expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that the laptops and Starlink connectivity will greatly assist learners and teachers, especially in a rural school environment where access to computers and reliable internet services has remained limited.
She emphasised that the donation will go a long way in improving the learning experience and equipping students with essential 21st-century digital skills.
“This development marks an important step toward bridging the digital divide and empowering learners through technology-enhanced education,” she said.
derick.khumalo