Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
THE digital divide is narrowing for learners in rural Zimbabwe after a number of schools have been connected to the internet under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and SES Satellites partnership.
The development is part of the Partner2Connect initiative, which seeks to bring meaningful connectivity to underserved communities across the world.
Schools that have benefitted include Kudyarawanza Primary School from Seke district in Mashonaland East province while installations are also underway at Mutukwa Secondary School and St Boniface Primary School, both in Chegutu district, Mashonaland West province.
The project, is providing satellite broadband connectivity and school-wide Wi-Fi. It is implemented in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe through the the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
The connectivity is expected to give learners and teachers access to a wide range of online educational resources, improving digital learning opportunities in rural areas.
Government has in recent years prioritised the digitalisation of schools, particularly in rural and remote areas, as part of its broader thrust to ensure inclusive education and to equip learners with digital skills in line with Vision 2030.
Potraz, through the Universal Services Fund, has been at the forefront of connecting schools, clinics and other community institutions.
Stakeholders say satellite broadband is a game-changer for areas where fibre and mobile network coverage remains limited, ensuring that no learner is left behind in the digital age.
Once fully operational, the three schools are expected to serve as digital learning hubs, benefiting not only learners but the surrounding communities.
The ITUDevelopment said the progress in Zimbabwe builds on successful results achieved last month in Timor-Leste, where five schools were connected under the same project.
The initiative, branded #BDT4Impact, is part of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau efforts to accelerate digital transformation in least connected communities.
Posting on X, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Dr Cosmas Zavazava said the project is bridging the digital divide across the world.
“Great to see progress in connecting schools and implementing #Partner2Connect pledges. Kudyarawanza Primary School, in the Seke district of Zimbabwe, is now connected to the internet through the @ITUDevelopment–@SES_Satellites partnership, with installations underway at Mutukwa Secondary School and St Boniface Primary School.
“Working with the Government of Zimbabwe, @Potraz_zw, @MoPSEZim and @MinistryofICTZW, this partnership is bringing digital learning opportunities to underserved communities through satellite broadband connectivity and school-wide Wi-Fi, giving students and teachers access to educational resources. This builds on the successful results achieved last month in Timor-Leste, where five schools were connected under the same project. This is #BDT4Impact,” said Dr Zavazava.
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