The Ezra Foundation has donated 15 computers to Nyamweda Primary School in a move aimed at helping to bridge educational inequity in the country.
Melonia Munemo, the founder of Ezra Foundation, said the donation will result in students improving their academic skills, while school teachers will also gain skills and knowledge in computer literacy and internet usage.
“Our goal is to close the digital divide by donating computers to rural schools as well as paying school fees to gifted but underprivileged children,” said Munemo who is currently based in Canada.
“We are in the era of science and technology, and I understand how rural students are lagging behind in terms of innovation and technology. These computers will change the lives of students and teachers at this school.”
Lack of access to information and communication technologies in rural areas is one of the main challenges in the development field, especially in the education sector. Unlike their urban counterparts, rural youth don’t have the opportunity to gain computer skills as a result urban youth are more likely to find employment.
This growing disparity – digital divide – is severely disadvantageous to a whole generation of youth growing up in the rural areas.
Munemo, who lost both parents at a young age and was privileged to secure scholarships up to university, said giving back to society is her way of thanking those who helped her in times of need.
“I am very passionate about charity, helping less privileged kids. I would say I have orphans at heart because I have been there and I know how it feels to lack. I long to live a compassionate life and be able to mentor and change someone’s life in a positive way,” she said.
The 30-year-old young woman is using her influence and connections in Canada to source various goods and books that she intends to donate to hundreds of poor school children across the country.
Receiving the computers, Luckmore Mudzviti, the Nyamweda Primary school headmaster said he was very impressed with Munemo’s generosity at a time many people are focusing on feeding their families.
“We are thankful and excited about the blessing Ezra Foundation has given us. It will bring a lot of positive changes, not only to our school but also to the whole village,” he said.
The educationalist said the computers will help to transform the “school that has long been frowned at” into a centre of excellence.
“We are confident that our pupils will become conversant with using computers so that when they reach university level, a whole new world opens to them. Once the pupils are computer literate, they will be able to teach the elders how to use the computers,” he added.
Ezra Foundation is a charity organisation that helps less privileged kids particularly orphans with basic school supplies and other school necessities so they can attend school with confidence.
The organisation also donated school uniforms, shoes, stationery, school bags and paid school fees to a number of children at Nyamweda and Masawi primary schools. In addition, Ezra also helped to refurbish a school block at Nyamweda.