Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
JUNIOR parliamentarians from Matabeleland South have called for the equipping of rural schools with Information Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets to foster improved learning outcomes.
Speaking recently after receiving ICT gadgets, the junior legislators said there was also a need for ICT centres to be established in rural centres so that youths from the community can benefit.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Junior Minister, who is also Gwanda North child MP, Mmabatho Mukwena, said youngsters in rural areas must be equipped with ICT skills to be relevant to the modern world.
She said it was concerning that some learners complete their secondary education without acquiring computer skills.
“There is a need for learners to have access to ICT gadgets from ECD level so that they can be equipped with basic ICT skills and knowledge, which is crucial in the learning process. The world we are living in today is technology-driven and the school curriculum requires learners to conduct a lot of research,” said Mukwena.
“There is still a lot of work to be done in rural schools, as several schools don’t have computers. This gap leaves the rural child disadvantaged when compared to their urban counterparts.”
Mukwena said ICT gadgets in schools allow learners to conduct research in order to widen their knowledge and remain abreast with current affairs.
Lindelwa Abu Basutu, who is the Junior Minister of Mines and Mining Development and also Insiza North child Member of Parliament, said there is also a need for ICT gadgets to be made available in the community.
She said this initiative can help to fight drug and substance abuse.
“There is also a need for ICT centres to be established within the community where they can be accessible to youngsters who are out of school,” said Lindelwa.
“This can help to fight the drug and substance abuse scourge as youngsters will be able to spend their time on productive things instead of engaging in criminal activities.
“Having access to the Internet will also help to keep youngsters motivated and they can identify job opportunities and courses, which they can study. We will also have youngsters who will be well informed of current affairs and able to meaningfully contribute to developing their communities.”
Basutu said the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, hence they must be capacitated with knowledge and information that will prepare them.
She said the Government has made significant efforts in capacitating rural schools with ICT gadgets and called for the process to be intensified to cover more schools.-@DubeMatutu
Bongani Ndlovu