Conrad MupesaMashonaland West BureauZvimba North legislator and Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, has launched a major digital empowerment initiative by rolling out Starlink internet kits to more than 40 schools in her constituency, in a programme aimed at narrowing the rural–urban digital divide and improving access to e-learning.The project – funded entirely through her personal resources – supports President Mnangagwa’s drive for inclusive development and seeks to ensure that no learner is left behind in the digital era.So far, 15 schools and one rural health clinic have received and installed the satellite-based internet kits, with the remainder expected to be connected by June next year.Speaking at Great Dyke Primary School on Tuesday during a speech and prize-giving ceremony, where she handed over kits to four more schools and the Vanad Mine Clinic, Minister Chombo said the Starlink rollout was designed to close the connectivity gap that has long disadvantaged rural learners.“Some schools in this constituency are located in areas where mobile networks cannot penetrate due to terrain. While Government works to expand coverage, I felt it necessary to support these efforts by providing Starlink kits to all schools. No learner should be left behind in the digital age,” she said.“The plan is to connect each school to Starlink internet services, and for those without computers, we will ensure they receive the gadgets needed to embrace modern learning.”Beneficiaries said the intervention would significantly enhance communication, strengthen the delivery of the curriculum and address long-standing connectivity challenges.Vanad Mine Primary School headmaster, Mr Spearman Kangara, whose school has nearly 400 pupils, described the development as transformative.“Our new curriculum emphasises research and technology use, but our learners have been hindered by unreliable network coverage.
With this Starlink kit, our children will no longer be left behind,” he said.Maplanka Primary School head, Ms Sheila Militala, also welcomed the development, saying poor network access had made it difficult for the school to communicate with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.“With this kit, which we understand uses satellite technology, we will now be able to make and receive important communications. It will also help us retain staff, as many teachers have left due to poor connectivity,” she said.Although her school has water and electricity, Ms Militala said it still lacks computers, an issue Minister Chombo pledged to address by mobilising more ICT devices for disadvantaged rural schools.Although her school has electricity and water, Ms Militala said it still lacks computers—an issue Minister Chombo pledged to address by mobilising more ICT devices for disadvantaged rural schools.The initiative aligns with Government’s push to integrate ICTs into education, following recommendations of the Nziramasanga Commission.Earlier this year, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera urged full digital transformation from early childhood development level, an appeal reinforced by Minister Chombo’s efforts in Zvimba North.Meanwhile, Minister Chombo urged Chinese-owned chrome mining companies operating in Mutorashanga to reinvest in local communities by supporting education infrastructure.Leave a ReplyCancel reply Conrad MupesaMashonaland West BureauZvimba North legislator and Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, has launched a major digital empowerment initiative by rolling out Starlink internet kits to more than 40 schools in her constituency, in a programme aimed at narrowing the rural–urban digital divide and improving access to e-learning.The project – funded entirely through her personal resources – supports President Mnangagwa’s drive for inclusive development and seeks to ensure that no learner is left behind in the digital era.So far, 15 schools and one rural health clinic have received and installed the satellite-based internet kits, with the remainder expected to be connected by June next year.Speaking at Great Dyke Primary School on Tuesday during a speech and prize-giving ceremony, where she handed over kits to four more schools and the Vanad Mine Clinic, Minister Chombo said the Starlink rollout was designed to close the connectivity gap that has long disadvantaged rural learners.“Some schools in this constituency are located in areas where mobile networks cannot penetrate due to terrain. It will also help us retain staff, as many teachers have left due to poor connectivity,” she said.Although her school has water and electricity, Ms Militala said it still lacks computers, an issue Minister Chombo pledged to address by mobilising more ICT devices for disadvantaged rural schools.Although her school has electricity and water, Ms Militala said it still lacks computers—an issue Minister Chombo pledged to address by mobilising more ICT devices for disadvantaged rural schools.The initiative aligns with Government’s push to integrate ICTs into education, following recommendations of the Nziramasanga Commission.Earlier this year, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera urged full digital transformation from early childhood development level, an appeal reinforced by Minister Chombo’s efforts in Zvimba North.Meanwhile, Minister Chombo urged Chinese-owned chrome mining companies operating in Mutorashanga to reinvest in local communities by supporting education infrastructure.
Zvimba North legislator and Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, has launched a major digital empowerment initiative by rolling out Starlink internet kits to more than 40 schools in her constituency, in a programme aimed at narrowing the rural–urban digital divide and improving access to e-learning. The project – funded entirely through her personal resources – supports President Mnangagwa’s drive for inclusive development and seeks to ensure that no learner is left behind in the digital era. So far, 15 schools and one rural health clinic have received and installed the satellite-based internet kits, with the remainder expected to be connected by June next year.
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Speaking at Great Dyke Primary School on Tuesday during a speech and prize-giving ceremony, where she handed over kits to four more schools and the Vanad Mine Clinic, Minister Chombo said the Starlink rollout was designed to close the connectivity gap that has long disadvantaged rural learners. “Some schools in this constituency are located in areas where mobile networks cannot penetrate due to terrain. No learner should be left behind in the digital age,” she said.
“The plan is to connect each school to Starlink internet services, and for those without computers, we will ensure they receive the gadgets needed to embrace modern learning.” Beneficiaries said the intervention would significantly enhance communication, strengthen the delivery of the curriculum and address long-standing connectivity challenges. Vanad Mine Primary School headmaster, Mr Spearman Kangara, whose school has nearly 400 pupils, described the development as transformative. “Our new curriculum emphasises research and technology use, but our learners have been hindered by unreliable network coverage. With this Starlink kit, our children will no longer be left behind,” he said.
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