ESCCOM donates gadgets worth E420 000 to schools, Minister Savannah officiates handover
THE Minister of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, facilitated the handover of 70 laptops valued at E420,000 to two schools in the Manzini region.
The generous donation, provided by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), was described as an investment in empowering learners with essential tools for academic excellence.
The beneficiary schools, Ncabaneni High School and St John Bosco High School were chosen following the Minister’s visit to the schools during the Cabinet nationwide school tours in January. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training, Minister Maziya officiated the handover ceremonies in two separate events held on Monday.
Representing the Ministry of Education and Training was the Under Secretary in the Ministry Naniki Mnisi who joined Minister Maziya in overseeing the momentous occasion.
Minister Maziya, reflecting on her earlier promise to support the schools visited during her tour, expressed gratitude towards ESCCOM for their invaluable contribution towards educational advancement. Addressing teachers and learners at Ncabaneni High School, Minister of ICT Savannah Maziya emphasized the transformative potential of the donated laptops, urging students to utilize them as powerful tools for broadening their horizons and accessing global knowledge resources.
“These computers are not just gadgets; they are devices that will allow our children to see the world,” remarked Minister Maziya. “It is imperative that learners harness the potential of these technological resources for the greater good, as they are the present and future leaders of our nation.”
The Minister further stated the importance of kindness and collaboration in leadership roles, and she encouraged students to empower their peers and strive for academic excellence. Furthermore, Maziya urged school authorities to facilitate unrestricted access to the laptops and ensure that every student benefits from the gadgets.
Similarly, at St John Bosco High School, the Minister highlighted the significance of embracing Information Technology (IT) as an essential component of modern education. While acknowledging that not all students may pursue careers directly related to IT, Minister Maziya advised on the relevance of IT skills in navigating contemporary society and encouraged students to embrace science and technology in line with the demands of today’s world.
In response, school principals Dalton Kunene of Ncabaneni High School and Saverious Mdluli of St John Bosco High School expressed their gratitude to Minister Maziya and ESCCOM for the generous donation. Both principals pledged to uphold academic standards and ensure the responsible use and maintenance of the donated laptops. They also made emphasis on their commitment to nurturing a culture of excellence and achievement within their schools.