Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
ZVIMBA North legislator and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Marian Chombo, has begun rolling out Starlink internet kits to more than 40 schools in her constituency as part of efforts to bridge the rural-urban digital divide.
The initiative, fully funded through her personal financial and social resources, supports President Mnangagwa’s vision of inclusive development and ensuring that no learner is left behind.
So far, 15 schools and one rural health clinic have received and installed the satellite-based internet kits, with the remainder expected to benefit by June next year.
Speaking at Great Dyke Primary School during a speech and prize-giving ceremony on Tuesday last week, where she handed over the kits to four more schools and the Vanad Mine Clinic, beneficiaries said the intervention would significantly improve communication, boost e-learning and ease long-standing connectivity challenges.
Vanad Mine Primary School headmaster, Mr Spearman Kangara, whose school enrols nearly 400 pupils, described the donation as timely.
“Our new curriculum emphasises research and technology use, but our learners have been hindered by unreliable network coverage. With this Starlink kit, our children will no longer be left behind,” he said.
Maplanka Primary School head, Ms Sheila Militala, welcomed the development, saying poor network access had made it difficult for the school to communicate with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
“With this kit, which we understand uses satellite technology, we will now be able to make and receive important communications,” she said.
“It will also help us retain staff as many teachers have left due to poor connectivity.”
Although her school has water and electricity, Ms Militala said it still lacks computers, an issue Minister Chombo pledged to address by mobilising more ICT devices for disadvantaged rural schools.
Minister Chombo said her initiative seeks to narrow the digital gap separating rural and urban learners.
“Some schools in this constituency are located in areas where mobile networks cannot penetrate due to terrain. While Government works to expand coverage, I felt it necessary to support these efforts by providing Starlink kits to all schools. No learner should be left behind in the digital age,” she said.
“The plan is to connect each school to Starlink internet services, and for those without computers, we will ensure they receive the gadgets needed to embrace modern learning.”
The rollout aligns with the Government’s ongoing integration of ICTs into education, following recommendations of the Nziramasanga Commission.
Earlier this year, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera urged a full digital transformation beginning at early childhood development level, a call reinforced by Minister Chombo’s efforts in Zvimba North.
Meanwhile, Minister Chombo appealed to Chinese-owned chrome mining companies operating in Mutorashanga to reinvest in surrounding communities by supporting education infrastructure.
Locals have long criticised mining companies for benefiting from the area while offering little support to schools.
Bongani Ndlovu