Online Reporter
We are live at Matapi Flats in Harare, where the Government, through the Mbare Renewal Projects is set to officially open the Mbare Computer Information Centre.
Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, is the guest of honour at the event.
The Mbare Renewal Projects aim to empower the local community, particularly the youth, through digital literacy and innovation.
In attendance are the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera and Deputy Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Albert Mavunga and Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution
Permanent Secretary Cosmas Chiringa and the Councillor for Mbare Ward 3, Simbarashe Chanachimwe.
Stay tuned as our reporters Anesu January, Anotida Chonzi and photographer Esther Mushove give us updates.
Guests tour the Mbare Computer Information Centre
The official delegates have now concluded a tour of the new facility.
The Mbare Communication Information Centre is a well-decorated block with computers that have access to the Internet.
Mbare Renewal Projects thanks Government
The representative of the Mbare Renewal Projects, Mr Oliver Olembe Vellem takes the podium.
He said the Mbare Renewal Projects is targeting all 54 flats and that each flat has to have access to their computer or even computer centres.
He urged all youths to be able to use computers and also know how to use them even in their small businesses.
Mr Vellem thanked the Government for providing computers and also access to the Internet for the Computer Information Centre.
The Minister of Skills, Audit and Development Professor Paul Mavima has arrived.
Computer Information Centre to empower youths in Mbare – Councillor Chanachimwe
Mbare Ward 3 Councillor, Cde Simbarashe Chanachimwe takes to the podium.
Cde Simbarashe Chanachimwe
He states that the opening of the computer centre demonstrates that community initiatives can lead to achieving better outcomes.
He attributed the success to the tireless efforts of the youths under the Mbare Renewal Projects, which helped them achieve their goals.
“This lab will help youths achieve their goals and access information,” he said.
“To the students, I urge you to learn and utilise this facility, ensuring the lab becomes a hub for innovation and creative learning.”
He expressed gratitude to the Government and the Mbare Renewal Projects for establishing the Computer Information Centre, which will empower the youths in the Mbare community.
Deputy Minister commends Mbare Renewal Projects
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Albert Mavunga, is now addressing the guests.
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Albert Mavunga
He emphasises that the Mbare community should not be left behind, stating, “No place and no one should be left behind.”
Deputy Minister Mavunga commended the Mbare Renewal Projects for their initiative, which benefits the Mbare community.
‘Mbare Renewal Projects is empowering the youth’
Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Cosmas Chiringa is now addressing the gathering.
Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Cosmas Chiringa
He said the Mbare Renewal Projects is empowering youths by providing technical literacy and skills.
Mr Chiringa notes that 68 students from Mbare have received certificates through the Mbare Renewal Projects, with qualifications to use and teach computers.
He said the initiative is going to promote sustainable livelihoods in Mbare.
“The Harare Metropolitan Province has initiatives that are aligned with Vision 2030 and creating a great future for the people of Harare Province.
He concluded by saying that the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution will continue to support initiatives that help empower the youths.
Prof Mavima calls for implementation of initiative countrywide
The Minister of Skills, Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima is now on the podium and says he is in support of the initiative which is being led by the Ministry of ICT and the Mbare Renewal Projects.
Prof Mavima said the initiative should go nationwide so that every young person acquires digital skills.
“This initiative is a start, but it must not stop here; everyone has to be able to use the computer.”
Minister Mavetera opens Mbare Computer Information Centre
Minister Mavetera is now giving her address.
Minister Mavetera
She says the project is meant to challenge and change the misconceptions about the Mbare community.
She said the computers and Starlink Internet were all provided by President Mnangagwa to empower the youths with digital skills.
Minister Mavetera applauded the youths under the Mbare Renewal Projects for coming up with an initiative that will help the community of Mbare.
She said this shows how the Government of Zimbabwe is leaving no place or anyone behind.
“This initiative encourages young people to stand and be equipped with various skills like software engineering,” she said.
Minister Mavetera concluded by saying her ministry will continue to spur innovation in Zimbabwe.
She has officially opened the Mbare Computer Information Centre.
