MP Warns Students Against Vandalism as Chikwawa Gets New ICT Lab
The ICT lab project aims to bridge the digital divide and provide equal educational opportunities for students in rural areas.
CHIKWAWA, Malawi— Member of Parliament for Chikwawa East, has cautioned students against destroying and vandalizing school infrastructure and equipment, saying such acts hamper development efforts in the community, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Rodrick Khumbanyiwa issued the warning on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory at Nkhate Community Day Secondary School in Chikwawa.
The legislator expressed concern over incidents where students vandalize school properties due to misunderstandings with authorities, urging them to refrain from such actions.
Khumbanyiwa commended the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) for the ICT lab initiative, which will provide internet access to the school and surrounding communities.
"I am truly grateful and appreciate MACRA for this development, which is the first ever in the history of my constituency, and it's going to benefit both students and communities around the school," he said.
MACRA's Deputy Director for Broadcasting, Kelton Masangano, stated that the organization is implementing ICT labs in 73 secondary schools across the country as part of the first phase of the Connect A School Project initiative.
Masangano noted that a survey conducted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva found that 2.9 billion people worldwide lack access to internet services, highlighting the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Harry Chiomba, the headteacher at Nkhate CDSS, expressed confidence that the ICT lab would boost the school's performance, providing students with in-depth access to information.
"Our students have been doing very well, and the ICT lab will be a booster," Chiomba said.
The ICT lab project aims to bridge the digital divide and provide equal educational opportunities for students in rural areas by equipping them with essential technological skills and access to online resources.