Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe ( POTRAZ) is proceeding with e-learning drive, following the successful installation of a computer science laboratory at the Zimbabwe National Army-owned Masvingo Day High School.
The initiative dovetails with government policy of equipping school with e-learning facilities as the world has since shifted towards digitalization.
Handing over the computer laboratory at the school yesterday, POTRAZ director general, Dr Gift Machengete said the telecoms regulator was using resources from the Universal Service Fund to improve accessibility of ICTs in the sphere of learning.
“The Computer Laboratory, whose launch we are witnessing here today, is one of many e-learning interventions that POTRAZ is making using funds from the Universal Services Fund (USF),”
“The aim of such initiatives is to create centers where learners can access and use ICTs to improve their learning, advance their education and advance their livelihood. In this regard, Masvingo High School Computer Science Laboratory is furnished with modern computers that are connected to the internet. It will provide basic electronic services such as Internet surfing, research, electronic mail service, printing, scanning, photocopying and document binding for your convenience,” Dr Machengete said.
The project came as a pledge made by POTRAZ at the Commander Defence Forces (CDF) Charity Ball of 2017 were the regulator pledged a computer laboratory to any ZNA school.
The laboratory will be equipped to the Authority’s specifications and subscribed with internet bandwidth for six months, after which period, the beneficiary school would take over obligations.
Guest of Honour at the handover ceremony, Major general Paul Chima said the computer laboratory should be able to reduce the burden of learning using hard copy materials.
“The computer laboratory should be constructively used in the provision of e-learning, e-communication, quick access to information, networking with resource persons and massive reduction of the burden of keeping hard copied,’ said Chima.
Refurbishment of the classroom block which comprises of two rooms resulted in the installation of power points on the walls and the floors to accommodate computers, installation of a smart projector, white board, green board and air conditioner.
POTRAZ also installed a Local Area Network (LAN) and upgraded the internet connectivity bandwidth from 1Mbps uncapped to 4Mbps uncapped with a six (6) months subscription.
There was also provision of a multi-purpose printer, a server and thirty-six (36) laptops, desks and chairs for 36 students.
