Bringing Technology to Rural schools in Zimbabwe

Thank you for supporting our ICT project. This project is our strategy for bridging the digital divide that exists between rural and urban schools.Rural schools are faced with so many challenges. Class rooms are in disrepair, teachers dont have proper tools for teaching and the schools dont have the funds to buy computers. Lack of access to computers and the internet has created a digital divide which is severely disadvantaging a whole generation of youth growing up in the rural areas.

The following are the the goals of the project:

• Provide basic computer training to rural teachers on how to use Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel & Power Point)
• Provide computers to rurals chools
• Provide internet access to rural schools
• Establish an ICT center in Rimbi village. The center will serve as a hub for students and the wider communities, where they can access the internet and receive internet training

The following are some of the positive outcomes linked to the use of technology in schools:

• Improvement in the quality of education as the teachers will have better tools for teaching
• Improvement in students' academic performance 
• Increase in economic opportunities as there is a need for computer skills in today's workforce

PHASE I of the project focused on training-the-trainer-first inorder to build the capacities of rural teachers in technology. Our in country partner Mr Mupinda explained to the teachers how the era of black boards and chalks is over. He gave them an overview of the 21st century tools that his organization offers for teaching. He demonstrated how to use a projector and showed the teachers a wealth of teaching tools that can be accessed through the internet. This workshop was an eye opener to the teachers. The majority of them had never used a projector or a computer. They didnt realize how much they were lagging behind the rest of the world in technology. Here is what the Rimbi High school headmaster had to say in regards to the workshops:

In His Own Words By Rimbi High School Headmaster

"We are grateful for the workshops that have been conducted by the Tekeshe Foundation with the help of the donors. The workshops have been a great eye opener! During one of these workshops, the instructor gave us an overview of the 21st century tools that CZWs offers for teaching. He demonstrated how to use a projector. This topic generated a lot of interest among the teachers. As the headmaster of Rimbi High school, I made a commitment to the teachers that I would purchase some projectors for our school. I am also very grateful to the Tekeshe Foundation and to the donors for bringing the internet to Rimbi High!"

2018 - 2019 Goals

• Provide basic computer training to 100 teachers
• Upgrade the VSAT satelite system at Rimbi High in order to increase the bandwidth and connect more computers to the internet
• Provide more desktops and laptops 
• Long term goal: Setup a community ICT center in Rimbi village so that the entire community can have access to computers

We have accomplished a lot together. Thank you so much for the major role you are playing in bridging the digital divide that exists between urban and rural schools. 

Best wishes,

Thelma