By Tracy Mtegha

Mzuzu, May 24, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is constructing a computer laboratory at Elangeni Community Day Secondary School at Elangeni in Mzimba District to provide students access to digital resources.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) manager for MACRA, Gabriel Alli said the initiative is also aimed at providing students and surrounding community members with access to modern technology.

The computer laboratory which is set to be equipped with computers and WI-FI Internet and other ICT equipment is expected to serve as a hub for learning, research and innovation within the community.

“Once the construction is done, the school will be provided with 60 computers which will be given in three phases. This initiative is going to benefit students here and surrounding community members as they will have access to free internet for a while,” said Alli.

Councilor for Kafukule Ward, Penjani Chirwa asked for stakeholder collaboration in monitoring the construction project to ensure there is good workmanship and encourage transparency and accountability.

In his remarks, head teacher for the CDSS, Frances Mzumala bemoaned shortage of teaching and learning materials at the school and expressed hope that the situation will improve with the computer laboratory as some of such materials will be accessed digitally.

MACRA, with support from Universal Access Fund, is set to construct 75 computer laboratories in schools across the country.