By Lekereni Chinkhota

Salima, May 25, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has emphasized the importance of having computer laboratories in schools to enhance high quality education to students in an effort to equip the youth from rural areas with computer literacy skills and easy access to information.

Speaking during a ground breaking ceremony at Thavite Community Day Secondary School in Salima, Quality Assurance Manager at MACRA, Cossam Chingancheke highlighted the importance of having such institutions in rural areas to ease access to information that could help students excel well in their education.

“The laboratory is targeting these students as they need technology to get exposed and to align with the world because technology has taken over in all aspects of life worldwide. As a tool in education sector, the laboratory will enable these students to compete and share same knowledge and resources with urban and city counterparts,” he said.

Chingancheke said that the computer laboratory would be accessible by members of the community for them to gain various skills for their everyday purposes.

“Communities around the school campus will enjoy the same opportunities in using the laboratory just like the way students will be using in accessing information. The scope is taking care of the community, they have to benefit out of it as well since technology cuts across all service delivery of the country and our economy will be better placed if we use technology,” he added.

The Manager highlighted measures that have been put in place to safeguard abuses to the under aged in order to only access appropriate information that could be useful in their education. 

Member of Parliament for Salima North, Kaphamtengo Yona said the laboratory would help in solving various problems rural people face due to lack of such infrastructures.

“We appreciate the construction of this laboratory because once completed our students will start learning computer subjects which will enhance their academic processes. These days’ employers are looking for computer literate people to work for them. Our students will be able to match those standards,” he said.

The MP assured the public that he would tirelessly work together with chiefs to have a high standard infrastructure far from corrupt activities that lead to embezzlement of any resources that are used for constriction.

“We want the project to be implemented according to plans. If someone is found involved in any malpractices here, when caught, the rule of law will take its course,” he said.

Senior Chief Mwanza appreciated the coming in of the computer laboratory citing that it would boost students’ commitment to their studies and that would reduce immoralities.

“Our area is lacking behind in many ways but I am so pleased to welcome this development at this an unexpected time. People will realize the importance of development and our girls will be committed to further their studies easily due to easy access to information. I am sure this will reduce the rising problems of unplanned pregnancies, early marriages and school dropouts that our girls are facing,” she said.

Mwanza added that it was a responsibility for both students and community members to embrace and make good use of the facility by taking care of it for their own benefit.

MACRA will provide three computer laboratories at Thavite in the north, Mkwero at the enteral and Lungumadzi in the south of Salima with the aim to make both students and community members exposed to the digital world.