The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has partnered giant American multinational technology and software developer company, Microsoft Corporation to drive the digital transformation of the country’s school system in line with the thrust of the new curriculum which puts emphasis on use of ICT as a cross-cutting tool for the new learning areas.
Addressing delegates who attended the three-day workshop for Senior Managers on Digital Transformation of Education in Zimbabwe, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Paul Mavima said a holistic approach to revolutionizing the entire school system is urgently needed.
“As a Ministry, we are grateful to the Giant Microsoft Organization for setting the tone for this important session to map out our transformation journey through building leaders’ digital skills for effective teaching and learning processes.
“More importantly, we would want to appreciate Microsoft’s commitment to work with the ministry in achieving the following: The establishment of an agency or task force to drive the transformation process, Establishment of centres of excellence, Establishment of the Training Academy for Administrators, Teachers and learners, Use of Microsoft packages in the teaching and learning processes,” he said.
Professor Mavima added that as a Ministry, they remain committed to providing equitable, quality, inclusive, relevant and competence-driven Infant, Junior, secondary and Non-Formal education for the benefit of Zimbabweans.
He said the workshop will serve as a springboard for implementation of ICT in education and general educational digital transformation.
Aware of the critical financial challenges that may threaten the project, Prof Mavima appealed for funding from all stakeholders.
“A project of this magnitude requires funding and may I call upon our development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to partner with the Ministry,” he said.
Microsoft’s Regional Manager for Education Industry in Sub Sahara Africa, Warren La Fleur lauded the Ministry’s ICT vision saying it will revolutionalize the education industry. He said his organisation will help in the attainment of the set goals.
“We are impressed by the clarity of your vision that’s why we are humbled to partner with the government through the Ministry in this transmission. The education system in Zimbabwe has not only evolved but has become a principled world class.
“So the opportunity to build on an excellent foundation and facilitate your emergence into the 21st Century and creation of modern skills, allow for the acceleration of the development of this country,” said La Fleur.
Among other issues, the ministry is aiming to achieve the development of Localized digital Curriculum Content, embracing the digitalisation of Books, adoption of the ICT policy, Infrastructure development including connectivity, schools computerization and provincial and district workshops on Digital Transformation
