By Staff Reporter
GWANDA — Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) has extended its Starlink internet connectivity support to Datata Primary School in Gwanda, ensuring that teachers and learners continue to access reliable internet services through December 2026.
The extension follows the expiry of the disability-led community organization’s initial six-month subscription support, with NFT opting to maintain the service in recognition of the growing role of digital technology in education.
The initiative resonates with the country’s broader development thrust under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which places emphasis on digital transformation, human capital development and ensuring that communities are able to participate meaningfully in the modern knowledge economy.
The continued connectivity is expected to be particularly beneficial to the 2026 examination class by providing learners with access to online educational materials, digital learning platforms, research resources and other information to complement conventional classroom learning.
NFT Executive Director Dr. Pick Nkomwa said digital connectivity was an important tool for closing information gaps and creating more inclusive opportunities for learners and educators.
“We believe that digital connectivity is an important tool in bridging information gaps and empowering both educators and learners,” said Dr Nkomwa.
The organization said the support would also enable teachers to access additional educational materials to enhance lesson preparation, research and classroom instruction.
For learners, internet access provides an opportunity to explore educational content beyond textbooks and the immediate school environment, exposing them to a wider pool of knowledge and digital learning resources.
The initiative is also in line with the broader national drive to expand access to technology and digital services, particularly in communities where geographical and socio-economic circumstances can limit access to information.
Under the Vision 2030 agenda, Zimbabwe has identified digital transformation and the development of human capital as important components of building an upper-middle-income society. Initiatives that expand access to digital resources at grassroots level can complement these national efforts by giving young people opportunities to develop knowledge and skills needed in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
NFT said it remained committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusive development, education and equal opportunities, stressing that access to technology should not be determined by where a learner lives or their socio-economic circumstances.
The continued support has also received the attention of local community leadership, with the Ward Councillor and School Development Committee (SDC) Chairperson copied on communication concerning the extension.
NFT expressed hope that maintaining the Starlink service would contribute positively to the learning environment at Datata Primary School and assist teachers and learners in meeting the academic demands of the year.
As the country accelerates its digital transformation agenda, partnerships between Government, communities, schools, civil society organizations and the private sector remain important in expanding digital access and ensuring that the benefits of technology reach communities across the country.
