Chidobe communities drive tech advancement in Victoria Falls

Victor Sibanda

A remarkable initiative is underway in the Chidobe Ward communities near Victoria Falls, where residents are taking matters into their own hands to ensure their children have access to cutting-edge technology.

Through a collaborative effort, the community is pooling resources to purchase computers for local schools, demonstrating a commitment to educational excellence in the digital age.The initiative was highlighted during the recent official handover of desktop computers to Monde Primary School.

Residents are contributing monthly to a fund managed by a local individual based in the United Kingdom, with the goal of providing computers to schools in the area. This grassroots approach is driven by a shared desire to equip their children with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.

Justice Murape, a community member based abroad, expressed his admiration for the residents’ dedication and resourcefulness. “I commend the Chidobe residents for harnessing their resources to fund this project, especially in these challenging economic times,” he said. “We live in a computer era, and it’s essential that rural children have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts.”

Justice Murape, the individual managing the fund, shared his enthusiasm for the project. “With the money they’ve contributed, I’ve been able to hand over five desktop computers to Monde Primary School,” he said. “I’m excited to continue this work and purchase more computers for Sizinda Secondary and Emfundweni Primary School.”

Jabulani Zulu, a resident of Monde Village, emphasized the importance of community involvement in education. “We can’t sit back and wait for the government to do everything,” he said. “We need to take charge of our children’s education. Even though it’s taken time to raise the necessary funds, we’re committed to contributing to their future.”

The impact of this initiative is already being felt in the classroom. A grade 7 learner at Monde Primary School, who remained anonymous, expressed excitement about the new computers. “This is the first time we’ve had computers at our school,” they said. “We used to only see them in books. Now we have real ones!”

Andrew Chuma, the Deputy Head of Monde Primary School, praised the community for their support. “This gesture will go a long way to improve the education of our children in the science and technology learning area,” he said. “It’s a milestone for our school and aligns with the government’s education policy, which emphasizes the teaching of practical subjects.”

As Zimbabwe embraces Education 5.0, which focuses on using technology to create more personalized and engaging learning experiences, initiatives like this are crucial. By investing in their children’s education, the Chidobe communities are not only empowering the next generation but also contributing to the overall development of their region.