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Lovemore Kadzura, Mutare Bureau

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has availed tablets and other information communication technology tools to all members of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe across the country as per his promise last year, and this will assist in improving digital literacy, among the youths.

Last weekend, Junior Parliamentarians from Manicaland Province received their gadgets at a function officiated by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, who said President Mnangagwa was fulfilling a promise he made to the young leaders during the 32nd Junior Parliament Session.

Adv Mugadza said Government seeks to equip 1,5 million youths with digital skills by 2030, and youths must use the acquired skills to participate in national economic programmes for the development of the country.

“The donation is in response to a plea made by Junior parliamentarians to President Mnangagwa during the official opening of the 32nd Session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe on July 3, 2024. Our President is a listening leader with a clear vision.

Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister, Advocate Misheck Mugadza

He listens to people’s concerns and addresses them promptly,” he said.
Adv Mugadza said the donation resonates well with the President’s National Digital Ambassador Programme that seeks to empower 1,5 million young Zimbabweans with digital skills by 2030.

“This initiative will go a long way in enhancing digital literacy and skills among Zimbabwean citizens, and empowering a new generation of professionals who can contribute to technological innovation. This digital skills programme is tailor-made to cover the digital divide as youths from remote areas have access to technology,” he said.

Through the programme, Adv Mugadza said, Junior MPs will acquire skills in digital literacy, online safety and effective communication.

“You will have access to a range of digital tools and resources to support your academic and professional pursuits. I would like to applaud the Ministry of Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training for the Junior Parliament concept as this gives young leaders a chance to become active participants in the developmental process of our country,” he said.

“This is in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind as espoused by President Mnangagwa. As we navigate through the digital age, it is evident that digital literacy is crucial for the empowerment of young people to access education, employment and economic opportunities. This means we will continue to prioritise digital skills development and ensure that young people are adequately equipped to thrive in an increasingly inter-connected world”.
Adv Mugadza said Manicaland Province has immense potential for growth and enterprise development, and to fully capitalise on this, youths must be equipped with the relevant skills.
He said Government is spearheading the transformation of vocational training centres and aligning them with global trends, where modern practical skills that empower youths for both personal and national development are offered.

Junior Parliament Second vice president, Luke Mavada, applauded Government for availing the tablets to young people, saying they will help make learning much easier.

“The Government has done a very noble thing to give gadgets to members of the Junior Parliament and Cabinet. These tools will help us in our studies. They will help us in conducting research and for communication purposes.

“These gadgets will help in our education. We are the generation of new technological advancement, and these tools will help us a lot,” said Mavada.

Curren Masakura, the Junior Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said the tablets will enhance their adaptation to the Heritage-Based Curriculum being implemented in schools.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to President Mnangagwa for availing these essential gadgets for us.
“This is empowerment of youths who constitute the majority of the population. This will improve our digital literacy,” he said.