Schools Gain Internet Through MACRA's Connect a School
The Connect a School project is funded by Malawi's Universal Service Fund to expand internet access to rural areas.
NSANJE, Malawi-- Phokera Community Day Secondary School will benefit from a project to provide rural schools with computer labs and internet access, officials said Sunday, writes Moses Thole.
The "Connect a School" program run by Malawi's Communications Regulatory Authority aims to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
"We have introduced the program so that the rural areas should obtain digital skills in communication. I'm so sure students will definitely benefit," said Steven Pelete, MACRA's head of information technology.
At a groundbreaking ceremony, area member of parliament Gladys Ganda said the project is "a milestone" for information technology in the community.
She said students and residents within a 100-meter (328-foot) radius of the computer lab will be able to access the internet.
"We are in a global world where internet is very essential. People from Phokera Community will be able to market their goods and services through the internet," Ganda said.
"Students too will be able to access very important information including parliament deliberations."
Ganda vowed to boost education standards in the Nsanje district, which she said is underperforming in national exams.
The Connect a School project is funded by Malawi's Universal Service Fund to expand internet access to rural areas.