MACRA impressed with Namwera ICT laboratory construction progress

Mangochi, November 12, Mana: Board Director for the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Fr. Francis Damaseke, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work of an ICT laboratory under construction at Namwera Catholic Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Traditional Authority (TA) Jalasi in Mangochi District.

The laboratory is being constructed under the authority’s Connect a School Project.

He made the remarks recently in Mangochi after inspecting the construction works in the company of Parliamentary Committees for Education and Media, Information and Communication.

Fr. Damaseke observed that the work was progressing well very, saying the structure proved strong and was being constructed with advanced equipment.

“So far the progress is good, the project is approximately at 80 to 90 percent complete, even though there are few challenges in terms of delays of supplies of necessary equipment to finish the project on time. As MACRA Board, we are going to make sure that delivery is done on time so that by December it should be ready for use,” he said.

He said Connect a School project was a significant step in promoting digital inclusion in rural Malawi, adding that provision of ICT laboratories will allow marginalized communities to acquire digital knowledge and connect them to skills trainings and employment opportunities.

“Connect a School Project is one of government’s commitment to achieving digital inclusion in Malawi by 2030, and we are moving towards the right direction to see that we are leaving no one behind " he said.

Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Education, Bester Awali, observed quality work despite delays in providing materials, which he said, was most likely to affect progress of the project.

He, therefore, appealed to MACRA to ensure the projects finish on time so that students should be allowed to access ICT services.

He said the world is advanced in digital technology such that it was important for children in Malawi to be very well equipped with digital knowledge and skills.

Awali said his committee will advocate for more resources into initiatives that promote digital inclusion in schools and rural areas to ensure wide utilization of digital technology.

Namwera CDSS Deputy Head Teacher, Benedicto Mujiwa, commended MACRA for the project, saying it will help advance computer literacy and improve on research.

“We have over 200 students at our school. As such, in this digital era, it is an achievement to have access to digital technology. We will own and embrace it and l am sure the community will also benefit from this,” he said.

The Connect a School Project, implemented by MACRA through Universal Service Fund, is set to construct 75 ICT laboratory centres in CDSSs across the country to promotes digital inclusion and equitable access, providing marginalized communities with digital tools, skills training and employment opportunities.