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Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services yesterday commissioned four new School ICT Labs in Chitungwiza as a way of upscaling the digital uptake among learners in the area.
He said the occasion marked yet another critical milestone in digital transformation in the country as it undergoes immense technological change.
“ICT Labs and ICT-enabled learning are integral in preparing for a digital economy as envisaged in the National Development Strategy 1. This initiative is one of the main ingredients for ensuring that our youths are ICT-enabled to be ready to participate and compete in the digital economy.
“Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen, it is easier said than done, to build this ICT capability in individuals who are such vital drivers of economic growth and job creation since most of them do not have access to the tools needed to actively participate and secure work in an increasingly digitised economy and world. This is precisely why The President, His Excellency Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa has tasked the Ministry of ICT, Postal, and Courier Services to make concerted efforts to help our schools to establish state-of-the-art ICT Labs throughout the country. This is an all-inclusive project where no one and no place will be left behind as we bridge the digital divide within our communities,” Minister Muswere said.
The ICT Lab Per School Project is coming at a point when there is realisation of the importance of technologies particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic that witnessed the rapid growth of teleworking and high demand for digital solutions in the economy as a whole.
Developing critical digital skills and building the ICT capability of youths is part of the ICT ministries priorities and commitments as the government to drive broader efforts to build a digital economy enabled youth.
“It is my hope that establishing ICT Labs in all our schools including the ones in high-density areas such as Chitungwiza will create opportunities for the youths to access world-class learning environments and content which will serve to bridge two divides: inequalities in the digital literacy space, as well as inequalities created by the lack of access to digital literacy platforms.
“Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, the ICT Lab Per School Project is important as we build an army of ICT enthusiasts and experts in our journey towards the digital economy. In the context of the fourth industrial revolution, it is very important that human capital development becomes a vital cog to transform and translate into a digital economy.”
The government is striving to bring ICTs to all communities, both unmarginalized and marginalised in the country in order to build a solid foundation for a digital skills-based economy.
“And we are truly starting to see the impact that investments in ICTs are having as a fundamental driver of Zimbabwe’s economic growth and success as we journey towards vision 2030. With these remarks it is my singular honour to declare the Chaminuka Primary, Zengeza Main Primary, St Mary’s High, and Seke 2 High Schools ICT Labs as officially commissioned,” Dr. Muswere said.