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By Marlvin Ngiza
Many schools across the country are set to benefit from the national e-learning strategy initiative that will provide free internet access for nine months.
Speaking at a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said 400 schools that already have internet connectivity will be provided with data while 180 rural schools will be connected by the year-end and will be benefiting from the same initiative.
“The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services wishes to accelerate the implementation of the National e-Learning Strategy through the provision of free internet services to 400 schools that already have connectivity but are encountering difficulties in paying monthly bandwidth subscriptions. The schools will be provided with data for nine months.
“An additional 180 rural schools will have been connected by the end of 2021, and will benefit from the same initiative,” said Mutsvangwa.
Minister Mutsvangwa added that the provision of free internet services at Community Information Centres across the country is meant to spur e-learning, e-commerce and innovation.
She also made it clear that in the course of providing free internet services, the Government will cater for all operational costs inclusive of staff remuneration.
“Government wishes to inform the nation that Community Information Centres in Cities, Towns and at major Growth Points will support students, pupils and youths with free internet in order to spur e-learning, e-commerce and innovation.”
In addition to the provision of free access to internet services at Community Information Centres and Community Village Information Centres, Government will meet all operational expenses, inclusive of staff remuneration. Taking into cognizance the financial hardships brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak, Cabinet wishes to advise the citizenry that all students, pupils and the general public using these facilities will enjoy free access to internet services at Community Information Centres and Community Village Information Centres for a period of nine months,” added Mutsvangwa.
However, all costs incurred from using services offered at these facilities are due to the users.
“Members of the public will, however, continue to pay for the other services such as printing, scanning and photocopying that are offered at these facilities,” said the Minister.
The National E-Learning strategy was approved by the Cabinet in the first quarter of 2021. All these initiatives will be implemented through the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).