Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) says it will construct computer laboratories in two secondary schools in Karonga District to enhance computer literacy among learners.
Speaking on Monday at Mlare Secondary School during the launch of the project, Macra director of human resources Glad Ngwira said the project seeks to bridge the gap of Internet use between people in rural areas and those in the urban centres.
He said the National Statistical Office found that about six million learners do not have access to information and communications technology (ICT) facilities.
“This is why Macra has partnered the Ministry of Education to embark on Connect a School Computer Laboratory project to construct ICT laboratories in 75 schools in Malawi to bridge that gap,” said Ngwira.
Karonga Central legislator Leonard Mwalwanda (Malawi Congress Party) warned the contractor against doing substandard work.
“Government is committed to promoting ICT in schools to equip learners with skills to mould productive citizens in line with the Malawi 2063 development plan. Therefore, we need quality structures,” he said.
The school’s head boy Sayamika Phiri commended Macra for the project, saying it will equip learners with ICT skills.
“We are living in a global village and these skills will help us to communicate with friends and source learning materials and relevant information from the Internet.” he said.
On his part, Mlare Secondary School head teacher Edward Luhanga urged learners to seize the opportunity and enhance their performance by accessing information from the Internet.
A similar laboratory will be constructed at Khwawa Community Day Secondary School in Karonga South.
