Mugabe’s computers yet to make impact

News
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has expressed concern at the low uptake of computer studies countrywide despite the massive donation of computers by President Robert Mugabe.

THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has expressed concern at the low uptake of computer studies countrywide despite the massive donation of computers by President Robert Mugabe. CHIEF REPORTER

Mugabe went on a whirlwind tour of schools countrywide during the coalition government era donating computers in a bid to promote the development of information communications technology.

In 2012, Mugabe launched the national e-learning programme aimed at transforming the education sector through Internet learning at primary and secondary school level.

However, a number of the computers have been stolen while others are lying idle with others headmasters saying the gadgets were still locked up in strong rooms.

According to a memorandum from the Bulawayo provincial education director Dan Moyo to district education officers in the province, few students are taking up computer exams.

It is of concern that only 1 500 students wrote examinations in computers in 2013 nationally against receipt of 8 000 presidential computers.

“Schools should encourage students to register for computer examinations with both the Hexco (Higher Education Examination Council) and Zimsec (Zimbabwe School Examination Council),” part of the memorandum reads.

The memorandum added that “computer companies wishing to enter schools should first seek authority from the director”.

Earlier this year, Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora said most teachers at schools that took delivery of the computers were computer illiterate.