Online Reporter
Sidumisile Mabena
IN a move aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing education in rural areas, Lupane East legislator, Cde Phathisiwe Machangu, has donated 10 laptops and a Starlink internet kit to Ingubo Secondary School.
The handover ceremony, held last Tuesday, forms part of the constituency’s ongoing efforts to modernise education in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 national development agenda.
Key provincial leaders, including Zanu-PF District Co-ordinating Committee chairman Cde Permanent Sibanda, former Zanu-PF Youth League Matabeleland North chairman Cde Tamuka Nyoni and various officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, joined Cde Machangu.
Speaking at the event, Cde Machangu said access to digital tools has become essential for modern education.
“We are determined to close the digital gap between urban and rural schools. No child in Lupane East must be left behind in this technological era. Education empowerment is the foundation for economic growth and community transformation,” she said.
The Starlink internet kit is expected to provide reliable high-speed connectivity at the school, enabling learners and teachers to access online educational resources, participate in virtual lessons, and collaborate on research projects.
Meanwhile, the 10 laptops will allow students to develop critical digital literacy skills, including word processing, data analysis and online research capabilities.
MP Machangu noted that this intervention goes beyond education, stating that technology can empower communities, enhance information access and support economic development.
“This is not just about sending students online. It’s about equipping them with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to compete nationally and internationally.
“A digitally literate youth population is essential for the growth of our economy and the upliftment of rural communities,” she said.
Teachers and parents welcomed the donation, saying it will transform the learning environment and improve academic performance.
Cde Machangu also noted that the initiative is part of a wider push to integrate technology into Zimbabwe’s rural schools and that future interventions will focus on teacher training, digital literacy workshops, and the expansion of ICT infrastructure in other schools across the constituency.
“As urban schools continue to benefit from technology, we cannot allow rural learners to be left behind. We are creating opportunities that equip our youth for the modern economy and foster a culture of innovation and creativity,” she said.
Parents, learners and community leaders expressed gratitude for the intervention, calling it a milestone in the constituency’s journey toward educational modernisation.
Many said the move would enhance not only academic performance but also future career opportunities for students who previously had limited access to technology.
