Govt opens information centre for rural schools

Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter

THE Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Courier Services Dr Jenfan Muswere today commissioned the St Therese-Bvekerwa community information centre (CIC) that is expected to enhance access to internet and promote e-learning to the marginalised in Makoni West constituency.

The CIC was hosted at St Therese Mission – which has a primary and a high school, hospital and business centre.

Dr Muswere, who is also the Makoni West MP, said technology was critical in the actualisation of the National Development Strategy (NDS1) goals, hence the ministry’s thrust to ensure all citizens have access to both ICT hardware and literacy regardless of social, economic or geographical location.

“CICs are an integral component of our journey towards an Upper-Middle Income society by 2030. The need for equitable access to ICTs is further buttressed by the desire to ensure all citizens have access to information about the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said, adding that the internet a key ingredient in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).

“ICTs can promote inclusivity, foster innovation and improve health by facilitating the participation of all in the digital economy,” said Dr Muswere.

Dr Muswere bemoaned lack of Internet coverage in rural areas and called for a multi-stakeholder approach to provide both connectivity and access to ICTs in these areas.

“CICs are increasingly being recognised worldwide as a vehicle for national sustainable development due to their ability to provide opportunities that promote equitable and inclusive growth in terms of social inclusion, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability,” said Dr Muswere.

Dr Muswere said Government has launched the national e-learning strategy for schools to complement traditional forms of learning and help mitigate potential Covid-19 potential disruptions.

“This initiative is, however, being thwarted by high Internet bandwidth costs, which poses a major obstacle to our efforts to provide a conducive environment for our learners. We have directed POTRAZ to absorb some of these costs till December 2021 for some rural schools with internet connectivity, but are struggling to subscribe. The regulator will also ensure that communities access Internet services at all CICs for free till December 2021, to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19,” said Dr Muswere.