Mt Pleasant MP unveils digital education plan for public schools

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

MT PLEASANT Member of Parliament G. Mashavave has announced plans to introduce digital learning and security systems at public schools across the constituency, saying improved infrastructure must be matched by technology to prepare learners for the future. Mashavave made the announcement on Wednesday during the commissioning of a new classroom block at Hallingburry Primary School in Mt Pleasant.

The event was attended by senior Government officials, including Secretary for Defence Aaron Daniel Tonde Nhepera, representatives of the Presidential Guard, Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Nhepera's attendance underscored the Ministry of Defence's support for the school development programme being pursued by the constituency, according to officials at the event. Nhepera has served as Secretary for Defence since his appointment to the ministry in 2023.

Addressing parents, teachers and learners, Mashavave said his office was working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to introduce technology alongside physical infrastructure improvements. Under the proposed programme, beneficiary schools will receive Starlink satellite internet, with the first three months of service provided free of charge. Mashavave also announced plans to install CCTV security systems covering classrooms and administration blocks to improve the safety of learners, teachers and school property. The programme will further introduce the EduNexus school management system, which is expected to digitise school records, including attendance, fees and learner performance.

Teachers will also receive digital lesson notes and e-learning materials aligned with the Zimbabwean curriculum, while training will be provided to teachers and administrators to enable them to use the new systems. Mashavave said the programmes were already being implemented through partnerships and were not simply commitments made during the commissioning ceremony. He also pledged to personally monitor progress and revisit beneficiary schools to assess whether the systems were fully operational.

“Wherever infrastructure is built, digital connectivity and modern tools must follow,” Mashavave said, urging parents and communities to support the initiative.

The MP's announcement comes against the backdrop of concerns over the condition of some public schools in the constituency.

A community member who attended the event said public schools had received less attention over the years as some families increasingly opted for private education.

“This is the first MP in our constituency who I have seen taking an interest in improving our public schools,” the resident said.

“This is one area which has been neglected for a very long time. Most people just take their children to private schools so they are not bothered about public schools. Most have really deteriorated, yet they serve the majority of our communities.”

The proposed Mt Pleasant public schools digitalisation programme could therefore mark a shift towards combining classroom construction with internet connectivity, digital administration, online learning resources and improved school security.

The initiative also comes as Zimbabwean schools increasingly seek to integrate digital technologies into teaching, administration and access to educational resources. For Mt Pleasant, the immediate challenge will be ensuring that the promised technology reaches schools consistently and that teachers receive adequate support to use the systems effectively. The programme's implementation will therefore be closely watched by parents and schools, particularly as the constituency seeks to improve public education infrastructure and bridge the digital divide between public and private schools.

Mt Pleasant public schools