Zimpapers Logo

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu-Bulawayo Bureau

The Government’s drive to equip rural schools has ignited hope among rural learners as they now have access to ICT and science subjects, a development that will help improve their performance.

To bridge the digital divide between rural and urban learners, the Government, working in conjunction with development partners, is equipping rural schools across the country with computers and science laboratories as part of President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.

One of the schools that recently benefited from the programme is Bengo Secondary School in Gwanda district where a science and computer laboratory were established.

The school which was established in 2002 had been teaching combined science without a laboratory. 

Construction of a computer and science laboratory was funded by the Premier Portland Cement (PPC) Company as part of its corporate social responsibility. The computer laboratory has been equipped with 21 computers. 

It has also been equipped with the internet to enable students to conduct research. 

The family of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga working with the Government and other partners has also facilitated the establishment of computer laboratories at three schools in Insiza District. 

The beneficiary schools include Ntunte Primary, Sababa Primary and Dekezi High School. Each school received 20 computers from the Government and 10 desktops from VP Chiwenga’s family.

Siyabonga Msipha, a Form Four pupil at Dekezi High School in Insiza District, said with the necessary equipment rural learners have the potential to perform better in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“Imagine a scenario where you have to learn computers, but your school doesn’t have them or learning science without a laboratory. These gaps leave us as rural learners at a disadvantage. However, I’m glad we now have a computer laboratory, which will have a huge impact on the outcome of our results,” he said.

“We will be able to do our research and learn more about the outside world. There are a lot of things that we don’t know because we don’t have access to information.”

Siyabonga said the computer skills that they will acquire are critical in the work environment.

Audrey Sibanda who is a Form Two learner, said the computer laboratory will go a long way in closing the gap between rural and urban learners. 

“This will also improve the performance of rural learners thereby giving them a better chance to enrol at tertiary institutions. I believe, with the necessary learning equipment, rural learners can perform exceptionally well,” she said.

Phimelo Ncube, a Form Four learner at Bengo Secondary School in Gwanda District, said it was her first time to operate a computer, which she said will be instrumental in research. 

“I’m glad that when I leave school I will have some basic knowledge of computers and those who will come after me will also be computer literate. We have always struggled through our learning process because of the lack of research tools. I will now be able to read and research all my subjects on the internet,” she said.

Bokeng Ndlovu, a Form Four learner, said he intends to fully utilise the learning tools which have been introduced at the school to improve his performance.

The development of science and computer laboratories is crucial in the implementation of the Heritage Based Education 5.0 curriculum which recognises teaching of STEM.