Internet connection for 1 300 schools

AT LEAST 1 300 schools are set to get internet connection under Government’s “Connect a School, Connect a Community” initiative that seeks to ensure that students have access to cyberspace.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security Minister Supa Mandiwanzira told Parliament last week that the programme was being spearheaded by Zarnet, a company under his ministry, as part of its 100-day rapid results initiative.

He said more schools will eventually benefit from the scheme.

The plan dovetails with President Mnangagwa’s broader programme to stimulate development and grow the economy.

The President has been calling for more technologically savvy students, who are innovative.

Minister Mandiwanzira told The Sunday Mail that the project was being bankrolled at a cost of $2 million.

“The project is currently ongoing and there are no hiccups. We are not yet sure when it will be completed, but the budget for the entire project is approximately $2 million.” Beneficiaries of the programme are being identified by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Centre Zimbabwe Africa High School.

In an interview last week, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima said teachers were being trained in ICT skills to ensure the success of the project.

“We are starting with cluster schools and there will be a centre where teachers are trained on a variety of ICT-related activities,” he said.

Last week, a school in Madziva, Mashonaland Central, received 200 computers which were donated by the President as part of the initiative. At least 4 000 computers have since been tendered by POTRAZ for the project.