President Mnangagwa donates 100 laptops to Midlands schools

FIVE primary schools in the Midlands province have received 100 laptops and accessories donated by President Mnangagwa as part of efforts by the Second Republic to scale up the adoption of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and transform the country’s education sector.

The initiative is part of the broader efforts by the Second Republic to modernise education and ensure that learners have access to necessary technological tools.

The integration of ICTs in education aims to improve the quality of teaching and learning by providing students and teachers with modern educational resources. By equipping schools with laptops, the Government hopes to bridge the digital divide, foster digital literacy and prepare students for a technology-driven world.

Dlamatuli Primary School in Silobela, Chiedza Primary School in Kwekwe, Riverside and Nashville Primary Schools in Gweru and Gomo Primary School in Chiwundura each received a projector, a printer and other ICT gadgets.

The donation follows the recent launch of the Zimbabwe Fibre Optic Network project, three policy documents and a computer laboratory by President Mnangagwa.

During the launch, the President donated 250 laptops to schools in the Midlands Province in the eight districts.

The Second Republic is establishing state-of-the-art ICT laboratories in schools countrywide underscoring the importance placed on education as a cornerstone for national development and empowerment.

Such initiatives are expected to have long-term positive impacts on the education system, enhancing students’ learning experiences and equipping them with skills that are essential in the modern economy.

Addressing school heads, pupils and Government officials during the handover of the laptops to Gomo Primary School, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube said President Mnangagwa is committed to improving the education of pupils across the country.

“This is yet another exciting momentous occasion in Chiwundura area under Gweru District, as I handover 20 laptops, a projector, a printer and a whiteboard to Gomo Primary School, donated by our visionary and people-centred leader, President Mnangagwa on 7 March 2024 in Somabhula,” he said.

“In an endeavour to promote transparency, I have already handed over similar gadgets to the following primary schools; Dlamatuli in Silobela, Chiedza in Kwekwe, Riverside and Nashville in Gweru.”

Minister Ncube said the laptops are part of the broader strategy by the Second Republic to modernise the education sector in line with Vision 2030.

“The fourth industrial revolution of cyber and physical systems accelerates knowledge and resource-driven industrialisation by producing graduates fit for industry and job creation. In this regard, President Mnangagwa transformed the education system by introducing Heritage-based Education 5.0 and competence-based curriculum in schools,” he said.

Minister Ncube said tangible industrial parks and innovation hubs anchored on heritage-based industrialisation have been established as guided by President Mnangagwa.

He said the Midlands State University (MSU) Research and Diagnostic Centre, the Oxygen Plant in Mutare and the Amarula Processing Plant in Mwenezi among others bear testimony to the Second Republic’s development trajectory.

“With e-learning, universal access to education is strengthened. The resource factor and burden of moving with satchels loaded with textbooks is over,” said Minister Ncube.

He commended President Mnangagwa for approving the licensing of the world-renowned satellite-based internet provider, Starlink in the country, saying it will ensure fast, reliable and affordable connectivity that leaves no one and no place behind.

Minister Ncube said the Second Republic has been proactive by providing the enabling infrastructure, equipment and human resources.

“The BCS Zimbabwe Fibre Optic Network project launched in Somabhula by His Excellency the President has become the pinnacle of the digital revolution in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, 16 community information centres have been established across the Midlands Province,” he said.

“E-Health Services, e-Banking, and e-Passports among others are now operational courtesy of the visionary stewardship of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa.”