Wilson Chipangura, Guest Reporter
HARARE – Zimbabwe is moving at a fast speed in implementing the e-learning strategy nationwide as schools remain closed due to the pandemic, a cabinet minister said on Tuesday.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa said government has set the goal to transform the education sector through the National E-Learning Strategy which will be complemented by the global UNICEF GIGA Schools Connectivity Project.
The troubled Southern African nation is aiming to develop and provide adequate technological facilities for educators and learners in urban and rural setup.
“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.
The minister also disclosed that the Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government will cover operational expenses, inclusive of staff remuneration in addition to the provision of free access to internet services at Community Information Centres, and Community Village Information Centres.
“Taking into cognisance 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.
“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,” added Mutsvangwa.
Authorities in the country have been criticised by different organisations in the education sectors including ZIMTA, PTUZ and ARTUZ for failing to come up with a solid plan to keep learning moving smoothly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
