Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke-Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is committed to addressing challenges that limit the country from achieving full and equitable digital literacy across the nation through the implementation of a raft of interventions under the Education Sector Strategic Plan 2021–2025, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Torerai Moyo has said.
Speaking during yesterday’s International Literacy Day commemorations in Harare, which ran under the theme, “Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era”, Minister Moyo said digital literacy can be transformative. The theme was timely as it urged policymakers, educators, communities and partners to decisively respond to the shifting literacy and learning landscape in the 21st century.
“Literacy is not simply a skill; it is a transformative power. It is the key that unlocks doors to opportunity, equality and progress,” he said. “In the digital era, literacy must also mean digital fluency, the ability to navigate online spaces, process content critically and use technology for learning, problem-solving and collaboration.”
He added: “Furthermore, there remains an urgent need to localise, multilingual and reflective of the cultural and contextual realities of our learners. Without such localisation, there is a risk that learners may become disconnected from their heritage even as they engage with global content.”
Minister Moyo said the Government had made progress in promoting literacy in schools by integrating ICT into the curriculum from early childhood development to secondary education.
ICT was now being used both as a standalone subject and as a cross-cutting tool to enrich learning across all subjects.
The Minister also toured school exhibition stands where students showed how the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 is giving them skills that go beyond a certificate.
Some of the students included Ashely Makonese and Nokutenda Manasidze (Lower 6) from Zimuto who created an application called “Cybershield,” which protects gadgets from being hacked; and Emmanuel Ndiweni (Form 2) from Mzingwane High School, who made a self-monitoring smart bin.
The Minister applauded President Mnangagwa’s computerisation programme, which has seen thousands of computers and solar-powered systems distributed to schools across the country, including in rural areas.
He also urged parents and guardians to play their part in promoting responsible digital citizenship by monitoring children’s online activities, encouraging reading and supporting the safe use of technology.
“As learners use digital tools, they must practise responsibly, respect online etiquette and protect themselves against cyberbullying.
“Parents should discuss books with their children, guide their online interactions and work hand in hand with teachers to support literacy development,” Minister Moyo said.
International Literacy Day is commemorated annually to reaffirm literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for sustainable human development.
