10 schools throughout Harare, Zimbabwe, have been equipped with computer labs bringing access to technology for 2,000 students in its first phase, and 12,000 students in the technology’s lifecycle.
Upgrading to a Digital School means; 20 PCs, a teacher Laptop, assistive technologies including projectors, speakers, and printers, as well as training and support. The schools have also each received a Connect Device, which makes e-Learning accessible to environments with no internet connectivity. The device distributes interactive learning content, videos, digital textbooks and teaching resources, meaning the computers can be applied to a whole host of subjects beyond ICT itself.
For these schools, the project brings:
- A diverse range of teaching materials to use in the classroom
- Knowledge transfer of modern teaching techniques on how to utilise ICT, through the International Computer Driving Licence
- Teaching of conceptual subjects made faster and easier, through the PCs and digital E-Learning resources, creating time efficiencies
The project is supported by local partners Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ) and WordLinks who provide the necessary support and training to enable schools to make full use of their computer labs. Through CSZ, teachers have undertaken training in ICDL modules: Computer Essentials, Online Essentials, Word Processing, Spreadsheets and ICT in Education. For those that were using computers for the first time, they also undertook a Digital Citizen Plus module, to raise their core skills and confidence with ICT.
This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
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Our work contributes directly to Target 4.1 of SDG 4, by improving secondary school educational outcomes for boys and girls. Additionally, students are gaining relevant technical skills that will improve their job prospects, contributing to Target 4.4. |
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This project directly contributes to Target 5.B of SDG 5, since we select schools who have a similar ratio of girls to boys and actively promote the usage of equipment by both genders, ensuring that no individual is excluded. |
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By providing 10 secondary schools with computer labs and assistive technology such as projectors, allowing thousands of students to access information and communications technology, we are directly contributing to Target 9.C of SDG 9. |
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ICT Equipment used in projects is donated largely from companies; equipment is data-wiped and refurbished before being sent to projects. Therefore, this project is directly contributing to Target 12.5 from SDG 12, by reducing e-waste and allowing technology to be reused. |
