ELLEN MLAMBO
MIRROR REPORTER
GUTU – The story of Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula is one of ploughing back into the community that brought her up.
On Saturday the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo commissioned a starlink connectivity to a computer laboratory at Makudo Township, a remote rural area of Gutu under Chief Chitsa.
The Mbuya Mary Simbi Computer Laboratory established by Dr Ndhlukula in 2021 undoubtedly becomes the first computer laboratory to be connected to starlink in the populous and sprawling Gutu District.
Moyo hailed Ndhlukula for the initiative which he described as critical for bridging the digital divide between the rich and poor and the urban and the rural adding that the initiative connects pupils in rural Gutu and their parents to global opportunities.
Further, Moyo said Ndhukula’s initiative aligns itself with the Zimbabwe Library Association policy for one school, one library, and one librarian.
The computer laboratory which is housed in what used to be Ndhlukula parents’ shop, serves seven schools; four primary and three secondary. These are Firomumwe Primary and Secondary, Zvinavashe Primary, Machingambi Primary and High and Chitsa Primary and High School.
It has 20 computers, connected to Starlink network and solar powered and it can support 100 users simultaneously. It was reported at the commissioning that there has been remarkable improvement in pass rates in public exam results since the inception of the library.
Masvingo Provincial Education Director Shylatte Mhike and Chief Chitsa are among the dignitaries who attended the event.
“The facility is a dynamic hub for technology training and digital skills development, empowering learners and community members alike to thrive in an increasingly digital world. I urge the community to collectively seek ways to finance ongoing internet access, so that the burden does not fall solely on the Simbi family,” said Moyo.
The Minister then donated 1 000 textbooks which are relevant to the new heritage-based curriculum and an interactive board for use at the library.
Ndhlukula commended Moyo for being instrumental in spearheading several key initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education, with focus on promoting inclusive education practices and ensuring equitable access to educational resources.
She applauded other benefactors of the project and SECURICO team. She said the organisation is the major funder in most of the projects they do with help from other benefactors.
“I am elated as we commission the internet connectivity of star link at Mbuya Mary Simbi library and laboratory. The place is no longer remote because of these facilities. We are going ahead of being in sync with what is happening globally.
“As SECURICO and in my individual capacity, we sought to see how best we can help the communities that need our support and education stood out. We have always been giving out bursaries. We channel part of our profits to different initiatives and the top being education, followed by environment projects and women –economic empowerment,” said Dr Ndhlukula.
