By Staff Reporter
ZAKA – Four schools in Zaka district, three primary schools and one secondary school
recently received Starlink internet kits, a development that recipient school heads say
will significantly enhance the learning environment.
The beneficiaries are Baramanza Primary School, Gondo Primary School, Chivingwi
Primary School, and Rusere High School.
Zaka North legislator Ophias Murambiwa, who facilitated the Starlink kits, said he had
appealed to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for connectivity support
for all schools in his constituency but only received four kits so far, with hopes of
securing more.
“The motive was that we saw these schools were behind in terms of connection. Moving
with the national vision of leaving no one behind, I saw it fit to distribute them in that
way. If we get more, they will also go to needy schools. Nowadays, connection
enhances education for research and ICT learning so there is need for every school to
be connected,” said Murambiwa.
He said he made another application to the Ministry of ICT recently and was waiting for
a response, anticipating that more kits would be secured to ensure all schools are
connected.
Baramanza Primary School head Sevias Matanda said the Starlink kits would enhance
connectivity for teachers to conduct research, enabling them to keep updated with
current affairs and the ever-changing trends in education and syllabuses.
“Teachers can now easily download syllabuses, guides and other materials which we
used to print. They can now do reseaches that would enrich their knowledge that they
would impart to their pupils,” said Matanda.
Chivingwi Primary School head Edmore Nhopi thanked Murambiwa for the initiative,
saying the Starlink kits arrived at the right time as the school had been facing serious
connectivity challenges.
“The Starlink have come at a right time when we were struggling with connectivity. The
connection will enhance both learning and teaching at the school,” said Nhopi.
Gondo Primary School head Obina Munangwa expressed gratitude on behalf of the
school and the community, saying the kit would help teachers conduct research and
allow learners to do research and learn ICT.
“The Starlink will also help the community, as those who want to use the network will be
allowed,” said Munangwa.
Zaka district has some of the remotest areas in Masvingo province, with most parts of
Zaka North being mountainous. Some areas are difficult to access for mobile network
coverage, making it hard for locals even to use mobile data to access internet services.
