Zimbabwe is taking a proactive step towards enhancing digital literacy with the launch of a Digital Ambassadors program, aimed at fostering tech understanding across communities. Tatenda Mavetera, Zimbabwe’s minister of information communication technology, postal and courier services (ICTPCS), unveiled this initiative during a recent International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) certification event for school teachers. The minister commended the Computer Society of Zimbabwe for its role in hosting the forum, emphasizing the government’s support for public-private partnerships in advancing digital education.
“Our objective is ambitious yet crucial: we aim to certify at least two instructors per school with ICDL, starting with 1800 schools nationwide,” stated Minister Mavetera. This initiative underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to equipping educators with essential digital skills, paving the way for enhanced teaching methodologies and student engagement in a digital age.
In addition to the ICDL certification drive, the Ministry of ICTPCS is set to launch the Digital Ambassadors program. This initiative will appoint local champions in each community to lead efforts in advocating and promoting digital literacy among community members. These ambassadors will play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, ensuring that all Zimbabweans have the skills and knowledge to participate fully in the digital economy.
The announcement was made during a gathering attended by key figures including Damien O’Sullivan, CEO of the ICDL Foundation, and Solange Umulisa, general manager of ICDL Africa. Also present were Joice Benza, president, and Viola Dondo, executive director, of the Computer Society of Zimbabwe, highlighting the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to drive digital transformation across the nation.
Zimbabwe’s Digital Ambassadors program signifies a strategic approach towards empowering local communities with digital literacy, aligning with global trends towards digital inclusion and economic development. By fostering a cadre of trained volunteers who are passionate about technology, the program aims to create a ripple effect of knowledge dissemination and skills development, ultimately contributing to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic advancement.
As Zimbabwe paves the way for a digitally savvy future, initiatives like the Digital Ambassadors program are crucial in ensuring that every citizen can harness the benefits of technology, thereby supporting sustainable development and prosperity for all.
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