SMART Zambia Institute, Ministry of Education NetOne & Intel Sign MOU To Bring Digital Literacy To Zambian Teachers

SMART Zambia has concluded the MOU with Intel and other stake holders to ensure that NO educator in Zambia is left behind. The discussions around the various inputs to be provided for this program began at the recently conducted Innovation Africa event which was held from 16th to 18th November, 2022.

This event was extremely well attended and graced by the Zambian President H.E. Mr Hakainde Hichilema, H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, Global Partnership for Education Board Chair and Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon Douglas M. Siakalima (MP), Minister of Education, Republic of Zambia, Hon Felix C. Mutati (MP), Minister of Technology & Science, Republic of Zambia, Ministers of Education from across Africa which included South Africa, Cameroon, Uganda, Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Madagascar, Gambia, Ghana, Senegal, Namibia, Angola, Somalia etc. Further there were key stakeholders from IFC, World Bank, Cambridge, INTEL, HP, UNESCO, Microsoft, and GPE etc.

During this prestigious education event which was hosted last year in Zambia, the SMART Zambia Institute, National Coordinator, Mr. Percy Chinyama in consultation with the various implementers from the other African countries, Intel Corp and Zambia’s very own NEO designed a digital program that incorporates best practices from across the continent to benefit every teacher in Zambia. The key deliverables included in the program are access to good quality devices through affordable financing and access to skills for innovation. The self-paced digital literacy program can be completed within 12 months and is aimed to equip any non-user to a full-fledged technology user. The collaboration aims to create affordable access to devices, enhanced training and with that better skills development, and employment opportunities within the country and even across the region.

In line with the 8th NDP, the Government through this Memorandum of Understanding envisages to enhance the delivery of education using ICT platforms. To ensure that schools are adequately equipped to deliver quality and relevant education, focus will be on enhancing the supply of educational requisites, such computers and printers.

Intel strategic partner NetOne through their OEM partnership will have NEO devices bundled with digital literacy for educators. The discussions were also witnessed and blessed by the Minister of Technology and Science and the Minister of Education. The scalable program will first be piloted within the education sector but is not limited to a single ministry. Phase 2 of the program aims to address digital skills for Youths. The National Coordinator’s hope is that this will compliment government’s efforts in digital adoption, increased use of e-government and the national digitalization agenda.

Source: NetOne