By Nevson Mpofu .
From 28 to 30 November, Zimbabwe hosted 250 African Regional Delegates from 40 countries. It was an occasion to gather momentum and discuss key issues and priority areas in Information Communication Technology. This ICT initiative, it was learnt supports Education and promotes economic growth and development.
Addressing delegates at the venue of the conference in Harare at a local hotel, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Paul Mavima said Zimbabwe stands to confirm its commitments in the development of Information Communication Technology in the country .He pointed out that ICT is one of the main key strategic areas the Government is pushing on in-order to foster economic growth and development.
He also said the 8th Innovation Africa Conference has come at a time the country is walking the talk on the implementation of a new curricular. Adding on, he cited that already there are fruitful results out of the curricular program.
‘’The Africa Innovation conference has come to Zimbabwe at a time the country is receiving better yields from the new curricular already in schools . This conference will there- fore strengthen our whole hearted effort in coming up with more skills in the digital World.
‘’We have the ground work plan to build 2000 new schools. In a modern world, this comes with the introduction of new Technology. This technology of Information Communication is a new development we need to cherish in hailing economic growth and development.
‘’Therefore there is no doubt maybe little doubt that Technology leads to economic growth and development. It is clearly, possible, but we need to support this through finance, policy development and promoting education infrastructure around the country. The first focus must target marginalised, poverty stricken and vulnerable communities’’, he said.
John Glassy, Innovation Africa Director said the developed World has managed to succeed through strategies, policy implementation, promoting and launching programs in community schools.. He added that the World is here to support the idea of technology, promote with research and high quality base knowledge capacity.
‘’ Africa’s Brains must unite Education partners in International Social Cohesion .These partners are vital in the whole process of Information Communication Technology Development in schools. Therefore Innovation Africa’s support in Schools Infrastructural development is a theme we need to raise flags on. On top of the whole idea, professionalism is needed in teachers who needs to train then train the students in schools.
‘’The need for technical devices is vital in the developing world. The developing world is still yet to develop its Information Communication Technology using computers in schools. This leads to attainment of Innovation Vocational skills for the Industry’’, concluded John Glassy.
Experts at the 3 day gathering agree to support development of schools in many rural marginalised communities in many parts of Africa. The strategies put in place develop digital vocational skills for Innovative Industry .However, the aspect of Gender Equality in ICT remains a challenge with some developing countries. In Africa 25% fewer women than men have access to Internet in Africa .The Gender gap is at 45% peg.
