Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
MORE than 500 teachers and learners in rural Zimbabwe have received crucial Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training through the DigSTEinZ project, an initiative aimed at digitally transforming education in the country.
The project, spearheaded by the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI), is making significant strides in improving access to digital learning tools, building teacher and student capacity, and aligning policies to support the digital transition.
The DigSTEinZ project’s core mission, “Generation Digital! – Supporting Digital Skills for the Next Generation”, focuses on equipping students and teachers with the necessary digital competencies to thrive in the 21st century.
This includes enhancing the capacity of education stakeholders and citizens to effectively use ICTs for teaching and learning, aligning existing policies and strategies for digital transformation of education, and facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration and advocacy for digital transformation in Zimbabwe.
As part of its progress, the project conducted a detailed baseline study to assess existing ICT infrastructure and usage in targeted regions, which was endorsed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) as the true record of the status in schools.
Awareness campaigns have also been a key component, promoting understanding of digital transformation in education through trainings, community dialogues, media engagements and roadshows.
“We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made. We delivered a two-day training programme for 180 teachers, School Development Committee members, and school heads across four districts,” said ECOZI projects officer Ms Mutsa Mvududu.
“Additionally, 344 learners participated in one-day sessions, equipping them with essential ICT skills and crucial digital safety knowledge.”
She said, four one-day dialogues were organised in each of the four districts to raise awareness about the importance of digital transformation, reaching 450 people.
Despite these successes, challenges persist, particularly concerning limited access to reliable internet in rural and marginalised areas, frequent power outages disrupting digital learning and insufficient availability of computers, tablets, or other digital devices for both students and teachers.
In response to the ongoing efforts and challenges, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the Government commends the dedication of organisations like ECOZI in bridging the digital divide in our education sector.
“Our vision for a digitally empowered Zimbabwe hinges on collaborative initiatives that address connectivity and access.
“We are actively working on policies and infrastructure development to ensure that every student and teacher, regardless of their location, has the tools they need to thrive in the digital age,” she said.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said the digital transformation of education is not merely about introducing technology; it is about fundamentally enhancing the learning experience and preparing our children for the future.
“The work of the DigSTEinZ project directly aligns with our national educational goals, and we are committed to providing the necessary support to scale up these efforts and ensure that digital literacy becomes a cornerstone of our curriculum,” he said.
The DigSTEinZ project plans continuous advocacy in schools and communities, sustained awareness campaigns for teachers, pupils and communities, refresher training for teachers, continued support for the harmonisation of national ICT policy and e-learning strategy and robust impact monitoring of ICT adoption and usage in schools.
Emphasis will also be placed on capacitating pupils on online safety.
