Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma in Harare
THE Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services on Tuesday donated 8 000 Starlink kits to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to enhance digital transformation in schools.
The handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education head office in Harare and was attended by ICT Minister Dr Tatenda Mavetera, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo, ICT Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, ICT Permanent Secretary Dr Beulah Chirume and senior officials from both ministries.
Minister Mavetera said the handover of the Starlink kits marked the culmination of a broader strategic partnership between the two ministries and represented a critical milestone in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda.
“This is not merely a ceremonial exchange of equipment, but a strategic intervention aimed at building an inclusive, digitally empowered education system that leaves no learner behind. Our two ministries are working closely together to pursue a whole-of-Government approach, ensuring that education and digital technology converge to transform our learners into confident digital citizens.
“This whole-of-Government approach is what His Excellency, the President, Dr E D Mnangagwa, prescribed as one of the strategies towards the attainment of Vision 2030. The Starlink kits represent a massive leap forward in addressing one of the most persistent challenges in our education system — connectivity. For too long, geography has determined opportunity,” said Minister Mavetera.
She said schools without fibre infrastructure or mobile network coverage had remained isolated from the global knowledge economy.
“Through satellite-based connectivity, that barrier is now being decisively dismantled. These kits will enable schools to access digital learning platforms, virtual classrooms, online libraries, teacher training resources and global educational content in real time. In practical terms, they will collapse distance and bring the world into the classroom, whether that classroom is in metropolitan Harare or in the most remote district of our nation.
“However, infrastructure alone is not an end in itself. We are equally committed to ensuring impact, accountability and value for money. It is therefore imperative that, as these ICT assets are deployed, we institute a robust framework to evaluate their effect on learner outcomes — particularly pass rates, digital literacy levels and overall teaching effectiveness,” she said.
In his acceptance speech, Minister Moyo said the initiative marked a significant leap forward in enhancing digital education in schools and empowering learners with critical resources for the information age.
“In today’s fast-paced world, access to reliable internet connectivity is not a luxury; it is a necessity for learning and growth. The introduction of these Starlink kits will revolutionise how our students access educational resources, conduct research and connect with their peers and educators, regardless of their geographical location.
“I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing education in our nation. His initiation of the Presidential Internet Scheme, coupled with efforts towards computerisation and the solarisation of rural schools, provides a comprehensive package to bridge the digital divide,” said Minister Moyo.
He said through a whole-of-Government approach, the Ministry of ICT and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education would collaboratively distribute the kits to schools across the country.
“We are especially grateful to His Excellency for securing 8 000 kits for all schools in Zimbabwe, and today we proudly receive the first batch through the Ministry of ICT. This initiative will significantly enhance our students’ learning experiences and equip them for success in a digital world.
“As we integrate these kits into our educational framework, we are not only equipping classrooms with technology but also investing in the future of our nation. These tools will enable learners to develop critical skills essential in today’s global economy. I assure you that we will utilise these kits to their fullest potential, ensuring that all schools benefit from this transformative donation,” said Minister Moyo.
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