Bringing Technology to Rural schools in Zimbabwe

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to you for your continued support of our project. This project is at the heart of our organization and is our strategy for bridging the digital divide that exists between rural and urban schools.

As more and more jobs require technology, it is important that students understand how to use technology in a variety of ways. Unfortunately rural schools in Chipinge are underserved, and like many other remote rural schools in developing countries they are unable to offer computer training and internet access to students because they simply don’t have the funds to buy computers and the teachers lack computer skills. Most Zimbabwean rural schools are struggling financially to stay afloat, as the budgetary support provided to them by the government is limited. This leaves the burden of education on parents, who are unable to pay for their children’s education. As a result, rural schools lack the 21st century tools, and the teachers and the students lack the skills necessary, for teaching and learning, such as computers and the internet. This has created a digital divide that is disadvantaging a whole generation of children growing up in these rural areas.

As such, Phase I of this project was created by Tekeshe Foundation in Rimbi Township-Zimbabwe, in December 2012, with the aim to address this digital divide. PHASE I of the project adopted the train-the-trainer-first approach to build the capacities of rural teachers in technology. For the past 4 years, we have been providing computer training to teachers and have seen dramatic improvements with most of the teachers gaining basic computer skills and Microsoft Office experience. They are now in a position to train students and the community. We also brought internet connectivity to Rimbi High school and donated laptops to teachers.

The Tekeshe Foundation now seeks to launch the next Phase of this project in order to provide internet access and educational internet training to primary and secondary schools students from Rimbi and neighboring villages, as a part of an after school program. During this phase, the Tekeshe Foundation aims to establish a Community ICT center in Rimbi Township. The center will serve as a hub for students and the wider communities, where they can access the internet and receive educational internet training. A VSAT satellite dish that will provide 1Mbps and 60 GB data allowance will be installed by TelONE. A vacant building in the Township will be renovated and equipped with tables and 25 computers. A solar powered generator will be used to power the computers.

We are pleased to announce that we have full support of the stake holders from Rimbi village to establish the Community ICT center. Here is an excerpt from a recommendation letter by a stake holder:

"Rimbi High School is highly appreciative of the unparalleled work being done to our school and the community at large by the Tekeshe Foundation. The most profound development to the school is the internet connectivity. The internet facility they funded for the school has been of much benefit to the teachers. Teachers and students are now able to access latest information for the different subject areas and this has really taken us to the information technology era and global village.
As the I.T. project coordinator, I unreservedly recommend Tekeshe Foundation for funding in order for them to establish an ICT community center in Rimbi village. The center will benefit the entire community tremendously. Our biggest challenge is limited access to computers. Having the ICT center will enable more students and teachers and the entire community to have access to computers and the internet. I thank you in advance for supporting our project."

Cost Breakdown

25 HP 500B (Refurbished)Computers @$350 each                $8,750.00
25 desks and chairs @$75 each                                           $1,875.00
VSAT Satellite Installation                                                       $886.00
Solar Powered Generator                                                        1,500.00
Buiding Renovation                                                               $1,800.00

 TOTAL                                                                               $14,811.00

As you can see we have accomplished a lot together. These accomplishments would not have been possible without your support. Through your donations you are playing a major role in tranforming the lives of rural teachers and students. Thanks again!

Best wishes,

Thelma