By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, May 21, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has underscored the importance of equipping young people in the country with computer literacy skills, noting that information communication technology (ICT) plays a major role in promoting quality education and fostering economic growth.

MACRA representative Cossam Chingancheke made the remarks on Monday at Mbulumbuzi Community Day Secondary School in Chiradzulu during the groundbreaking ceremony for a new ICT laboratory, which is part of the 73 laboratories set to be constructed nationwide under the "Connect a School" project.

"Nowadays, you cannot talk about a good economy or education system without talking about computers; ICT is the backbone of all the development avenues in the world. So, being an area of little development in the country, government through MACRA thought it wise to embark on this project," he said.

He added that the initiative is targeting young people in secondary schools to equip them with necessary computer skills and introduce them to the internet so that they can excel at tertiary level where such skills are fundamental.

"At a young age is where the future of a person begins, so we decided to construct these ICT labs in secondary schools to give them a good foundation," said Chingancheke.

Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu North, Patrick Mpinganjira Matola, described the initiative as a milestone in the education sector.

Matola thanked government for showing commitment to fulfilling the Malawi Vision 2063, which, among others, advocates for the advancement of ICT and youth empowerment.

"This is a new school that was constructed three years ago, so we are lucky that the initiative has benefited us. It will encourage students to do well and motivate them to complete their education," he said.

Head teacher for Mbulumbuzi CDSS, Fagesi Alfred Nasiyaya, observed that as a new school, learners fail to access quality education because there are inadequate books where they can source information on various subjects.

"With the construction of this computer lab, however, learners will be able to find all the information they want online," she said, adding that they will also be equipped with basic knowledge of computers which is invaluable in this age.

About 73 CDSSs, one primary school and one national government school have been targeted under the project, which is expected to be completed in August this year.

The project is being funded by the Universal Service Fund, a communication regulatory component under MACRA.