Computer Lessons in Sec Schools

Six secondary schools namely Chichiri, St. Mary’s, Mulunguzi, Likuni, Dzedza and Lilongwe girls secondary school received 30 computers each during the launch of the project in Lilongwe last week to kick-start the initiative that aims at introducing information communication technology (ICT) training in secondary schools.

The computers, a donation from Barclays Bank of the United Kingdom, were sourced and shipped by the British Council through Computer for African Schools Trust at a total cost of 8,000 pounds sterling (about K1.2 million).

Microsoft country manager for South East Africa, Pierre Nel, donated computer software worth $60,000 (about K4.9 million) to the Ministry of Education to be used by the six recipient secondary schools.

British Council Director Richard Weyers said the project aims at introducing computers as an additional literacy and education resource for pupils and asked the Ministry of Education to work together with them to ensure the success of the project.

“We cannot afford to have an education system without ICT training in the 21st century. The project will strive to improve ICT training in the country's schools," he said.

Added Weyers: 'The British Council will work with credible institutions like SchoolNet Malawi Trust and Computer for African Schools Trust to facilitate the introduction and application of information communication technology in the country's schools."

SchoolNet Malawi Director Bessie Nyirenda said over 80 schools will receive 30 computers each by the end of this year through her organisation’s partnership with the British Council and other stakeholders including their mother body SchoolNet Africa, a grouping of 28 Pan-African SchoolNet organisations striving to introduce ICT education in African schools.