By Andrew Phiri

Balaka, April 03, MANA: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has said Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills among Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) students in Balaka will improve once Connect A School (CAS) Project is completed.

Speaking on Wednesday after touring Namikombe and St. Peters CDSS’s, where the two modern computer laboratories are being built respectively, MACRA's Board Member, Malla Kawale, expressed satisfaction with the work of contractors.

She said given the pace at which the world is developing technologically, MACRA will show its commitment to providing equal opportunities to both rural and urban secondary school students by enabling them connect with their peers globally.

"The workmanship of these laboratories is outstanding, and we hope that the finishing will also be good; As MACRA, we have adequate funds to complete this project and with what the contractors have told us, we are happy and optimistic that the work will be done within time," said Kawale.

She, however, said the project has faced some challenges such as devaluation of Kwacha which resulted in further evaluation of budget and negotiations with contractors.

Head teacher for Namikombe CDSS, George Chipawo hailed government through MACRA for rolling out this project, saying that the 62 computers that will be installed in the laboratory will compel students to pursue ICT courses in tertiary schools.

"Once this facility is completed, students will now have the opportunity to know the computers before going to colleges and this will also motivate them to further specialize their courses into ICT," Chipao said.

He added: "The community members will also benefit from the Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) network that will be available 100 metres around the laboratory.”

One of the Area Development Committee (ADC) members at Namikombe, Markford Mtemula said they are ready to provide tight security around the facility, adding that they would also help community members with civic education for them to own the project.

With financial support from Malawi Government through Universal Service Fund, MACRA is implementing CAS Project in 72 constituencies across the country, with each district getting two laboratories, in order to allow students to have ICT literacy.