By Francis Chipalo
The introduction of Information Communications and Technology (ICT) in schools or electronic learning has come with it its own challenges hindering effective learning.
One such challenge is the lack of devices such as computers, laptops, tablets and other similar electronic gadgets crucial to effective learner outcomes in ICT.
As government endeavors to provide these devices to all learners in schools, the ministry of education has called on stakeholders in the education sector to come in and offer assistance so that no child is left behind especially pupils seeking an education in community schools.
The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) through executive director Aaron Chansa said in an interview that for such programs to be successful, there was a need to ensure that equipment, devices as well as facilities such as computer labs were made available in schools.
And Rotary Club of Lusaka Central, project coordinator Daljeet Singh noted the need to expose children to technological devices and technology, stating that without electronic learning, less can be achieved as the world had now gone digital.
Responding to this call, the Rotary Club of Lusaka Central has made what has been described as a life – changing gesture by donating smart E – learning equipment worth 44,000 USD towards an initiative aimed at enhancing literacy levels among learners in community schools.
The electronic devices, among them 60 tablets, 27 laptops and sound supporting systems (Bluetooth) speakers have been donated at Impact One Initiative, a library and training center based in Lusaka’s Ng’ombe Township that supports local community schools.
The gadgets will benefit about 17 community schools based in Ng’ombe that attends to hundreds of vulnerable children in partnership with Impact One project under phase two after a successful phase one project conducted in 2018 where 12 community schools benefited.
The project offers training to teachers from community schools from Ng’ombe as well as offering them teaching and learning materials.
Speaking shortly before receiving the devices, Impact One Initiative executive director Whitney Morrcau Zulu disclosed that the lack of electronic devices was making it difficult for teachers in community schools to execute their duties in ICT.
Zulu explained that in collaboration with the Rotary club of Paducah, USA and the Rotary club of Lusaka central, Impact one launched its first technology project in 2018 in Ng,ombe compound called the Chikondane network which brought the community schools together.
She however said the initiative was first established in 2013 and partnered with community schools in Ng’ombe, training the teachers as well as equipping them with tools for the job.
Under the project, Zulu explained that teachers from these schools were provided with training, support and mentoring in a bid to help them execute their duties effectively as they attend to children.
She said the Rotarians provided laptops and technology tablets equipped with an Application which enabled tutors teach literacy effectively in their classrooms.
And Zulu disclosed that they are over 70 registered community schools within Ng,ombe attending to about 17,000 children in the area, adding that lack of learning and teaching materials for E-learning subject was the biggest challenge.
“We are incredibly grateful once again that the Rotary club of Lusaka central has continued offering support to community schools in Ng’ome under this project which continues to grow,” she said.
“These gadgets will go a long way in improving quality education in community schools as evidenced from the first phase where our teachers underwent training and were now imparting this knowledge to the children,” Zulu added.
Zulu further said the donation was a plus for not only teachers, but learners as well, words echoed by Mathews Lukwanda the school head teacher at Twin Palm Christian Community School.
Lukwanda said previously, teachers taught literacy and ICT subjects by using the black board where a computer would be drawn for children to identify which part does what in a computer, but was quick to mention that the provision of the devices was a game changer.
“Imagine conducting a lesson using a small phone and attending to over a 100 pupils in a classroom? This is what teachers in community schools are going through, so this donation and initiative by the rotary club has not only brought about change, but it is also a motivation for us as teachers,” Lukwanda said.
Meanwhile, Monika Kumar, president of the Rotary club of Lusaka central commended efforts community schools were making in Ng’ombe in ensuring that children enjoy their learning.
Kumar said as Rotarians, her club was committed to supporting efforts aimed at shaping the future of children, adding that the Rotary club of Lusaka central will continue offering assistance so that more community schools can benefit.
Kumar said the Rotarians felt it fit to intervene because children in community schools were mostly left behind in many things, including an attainment to quality education.
“We will do more where we can so that many of these children going to community schools can benefit and enjoy education like every other child, “said Kumar.
Meanwhile, Tom Kamwendo, District Governor of Rotary district 9210 commended the efforts community schools were making in offering an education to children in the community.
Kamwendo noted the many challenges community schools were facing such as lack of learning and teaching materials as well inadequate of learning facilities.
He however said the Rotarians were readily available to offer assistance where possible so that children in community schools are not left behind.
Some schools that benefited from the donation of the electronic devices courtesy of the Rotarians included Anglican St. Mathias, Apex Chisomo, Blue Star, Bridges Bright, Emedel and Fountain of Life Community schools.
Others were Golden Faith, Generous, Good Faith, Good Shepherd, Joy Grace, Winning ways, Twin Palm and Ng,ombe Community school as well as Ng’ombe Jubilee Community School.
