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Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is rolling out massive smart education programmes in previously marginalised rural schools by unveiling latest technological gadgets for the learners and teachers to be at par with their urban counterparts, thereby bridging the digital divide.
This was revealed by the Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, as 60 laptops were handed over to Gwangwadza Secondary and Dowa Primary School in Makoni last weekend.
He said all rural health centres will be digitally connected in preparation of the launch of tele-medicine services.
“The smart education programme includes the construction of computer labs, procurement and connection of laptops, as well as training of teachers in the use of the technological gadgets.
“We have commissioned several institutions in rural areas with the aim of bridging the digital divide. No place and citizen should be left behind. This is our policy. Every citizen must participate in the digital economy.
“The digital economy is one of the key pillars of National Development Strategy (NDS1) and we have to start right at the bottom in primary and secondary schools. We will equip learners with digital skills.
“Our target is that every citizen must be digitally connected by 2030. Government launched the Smart Zimbabwe Master Plan, which is where we find the smart education concept.
“For this to be successful, Government is partnering the private sector in the implementation of this programme.
“The health sector is also included and the target is for us to connect 1 300 clinics. So far we have covered 500 health institutions. After completing the connection of the clinics, we will then introduce tele-medicine facilities to ensure that the doctor-patient ratio is reduced as patients will be able to receive medical advice from the comfort of their homes,” said Dr Muswere.
ZANU PF national director of information, Cde Tafadzwa Mugwadi who graced the event, said the Ministry of ICT is moving in line with the nation’s goal of digitalising the economy.
“As a party, we are happy and satisfied by the work of the Ministry of ICT in driving President Mnangagwa’s agenda of digitalising the country and the economy. There should be no difference between rural based people and their urban counterparts.
“Learners must familiarise with digital gadgets at a tender age, not to experience them for the first time after enrolling in colleges like some of us did. These learners are now part of the global village through the gadgets they have received,” said Cde Mugwadi.
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