By 
Minister of Information Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services Jenfan Muswere has launched (ICT) Computer laboratories in Manicaland Province.
Speaking at the commissioning of the ICT laboratories Muswere said, the future of education and the fourth industrial revolution is anchored on ICTs and the battle can only be won if we get our technological arsenal right.
“It is an honour to stand before you today as we have just commissioned school ICT laboratories in the Manicaland Province. We all know that we have to emancipate ourselves from all adversities by all means to usher Zimbabwe to the level it must be, an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
“…The future of education 5.0 and the fourth industrial revolution is anchored on ICTs and the battle can only be won if we get our technological arsenal right and this is the war we are fighting as a Ministry and as Zimbabweans. Our mission as a Ministry is to transform Zimbabwe through the use of information and communication technologies, into a knowledge-based society so as to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global village. The ICT Labs at the local schools will incubate and create the next generation of ICT geniuses from our midst, capable of coming up with ICT solutions that dovetail with Vision 2030 as enunciated by the President, His Excellency Cde E. D. Mnangagwa.”
Muswere went on to say, the commissioning of ICT Labs will see Zimbabwe achieving the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“For far too long the knowledge of ICTs has been packaged as an elitist privilege with many underserved and remote areas being left out. This status quo has been disrupted by President E. D. Mnangagwa whose clarion call is that no one and no place should be left behind.
“The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services is in full support of this position and we are on a mission to equip and empower present and future generations with ICTs through rolling out ICT infrastructure solutions in Zimbabwean schools.
“We see Zimbabwe achieving the digital economy aspirations of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) pillar of e-learning and the Smart Zimbabwe Blueprint pillar of Smart Education through the school ICT laboratories we have today commissioned in Manicaland Province. In developing countries like Zimbabwe, ICTs not only provide new impetus for sustainable socio-economic growth but they are also a prerequisite to participate in the information and knowledge society,” said Muswere.
Postal Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe Director General Gift Kalisto Machengete highlighted that POTRAZ is rolling out programmes that alleviates internet access related risks.
“As we rollout this program, allow me Honourable Ministers, to reiterate the importance of Child Online Protection in minimizing the dangers and harm that come with access to the internet among our children.
“If used irresponsibly, ICTs can bring more harm than good for the young ones. In this regard, as the Authority responsible for Data Protection, POTRAZ is rolling out programs aimed at ensuring that Internet access related risks in schools, homes and the society at large are mitigated. We also urge school authorities to be on guard against ICT abuse and as well, I urge children to report any form of cyber abuse to authorities,” he said.
Gudyanga Primary, Lydia Chimonyo High, Mutambara High and Nhedziwa High school are among 130 schools that have benefited from the Computer Lab per School Program nationwide.
Comments