By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Minister of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, facilitated the handover of 70 laptops valued at E420,000 to two schools in the Manzini region.
The generous donation, provided by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), was described as an investment in empowering learners with essential tools for academic excellence.
The beneficiary schools, Ncabaneni High School and St John Bosco High School were chosen following the Minister’s visit to the schools during the Cabinet nationwide school tours in January.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training, Minister Maziya officiated the handover ceremonies in two separate events held on Monday.
Representing the Ministry of Education and Training was the Under Secretary in the Ministry Naniki Mnisi who joined Minister Maziya in overseeing the momentous occasion.
Minister Maziya, reflecting on her earlier promise to support the schools visited during her tour, expressed gratitude towards ESCCOM for their invaluable contribution towards educational advancement.
Addressing teachers and learners at Ncabaneni High School, Minister of ICT Savannah Maziya emphasized the transformative potential of the donated laptops, urging students to utilize them as powerful tools for broadening their horizons and accessing global knowledge resources.
“These computers are not just gadgets; they are devices that will allow our children to see the world,” remarked Minister Maziya.
“It is imperative that learners harness the potential of these technological resources for the greater good, as they are the present and future leaders of our nation.”
The Minister further stated the importance of kindness and collaboration in leadership roles, and she encouraged students to empower their peers and strive for academic excellence.
Furthermore, Maziya urged school authorities to facilitate unrestricted access to the laptops and ensure that every student benefits from the gadgets.
Similarly, at St John Bosco High School, the Minister highlighted the significance of embracing Information Technology (IT) as an essential component of modern education.
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While acknowledging that not all students may pursue careers directly related to IT, Minister Maziya advised on the relevance of IT skills in navigating contemporary society and encouraged students to embrace science and technology in line with the demands of today’s world.
In response, school principals Dalton Kunene of Ncabaneni High School and Saverious Mdluli of St John Bosco High School expressed their gratitude to Minister Maziya and ESCCOM for the generous donation. Both principals pledged to uphold academic standards and ensure the responsible use and maintenance of the donated laptops. They also made emphasis on their commitment to nurturing a culture of excellence and achievement within their schools.
Ministry of Education applauds initiative, stresses importance of ICT in education
The Ministry of Education and Training cited the importance of Information, Communication and Technology in modern education.
The Minister of Education who was represented by Under Secretary Naniki Mnisi, expressed the pivotal role of digital inclusion and e-skilling initiatives in education.
Under Secretary Mnisi emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging ICT to enhance the teaching and learning process, citing equitable access to educational resources as a cornerstone of educational advancement.
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Mnisi articulated the Ministry’s dedication to promoting ICT integration across the curriculum and fostering technology competency skills among learners, positioning ICT as a vital tool for academic success and global competitiveness.
“We are fully dedicated to the continued strengthening of ICT as a subject and to the use of ICT as a tool for teaching and learning across the entire curriculum in our schools,” stated Under Secretary Mnisi.
“ICT in education is now essential, and our schools are compelled to provide learners with technology competency skills that will enable them to participate meaningfully in class and succeed in an ever-increasing technological world.”
The Under Secretary further expressed gratitude to ESCCOM for their impeccable support in realizing the Ministry’s vision of promoting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, including those with disabilities.
The integration of assistive technology, facilitated through ESCCOM’s assistance, has not only enhanced teaching pedagogy but has also empowered learners with disabilities to actively participate in the learning process and pursue higher education opportunities.
Moreover, Mnisi highlighted the transformative impact of the ESCCOM donation on the educational landscape of Ncabaneni and St. John Bosco High Schools, where she stressed its role in motivating teachers and learners and strengthening a conducive learning environment conducive to academic excellence and societal contribution.
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“The provision of ICT connectivity is essential to provide our learners with what is commonly called ‘twenty-first-century skills’ – those competencies and values that are needed to become responsible citizens in a learning society and sustain employability throughout life in a knowledge-based economy,” emphasized the Under Secretary.
Again, Mnisi expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry of ICT and ESCCOM for their invaluable contribution towards advancing the Kingdom’s education system.
Minister Savannah encourages students to reject corruption and GBV
During the handover ceremony at St. John Bosco High School, the Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Savannah Maziya, shared a compelling message to the young male learners, urging them to strive for excellence and become exemplary leaders in society.
Addressing the students at the all-boys school, Minister Maziya highlighted the importance of integrity, academic diligence, and respect for others as essential qualities for future leaders.
Minister Maziya highlighted the grave societal issues of corruption and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), urging the learners to reject such behaviours and uphold ethical standards in their personal and professional lives.
“As you grow, it is imperative that you steer clear of corruption and any form of Gender-Based Violence,” stated Minister Maziya.
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Moreover, Minister Maziya emphasized the significance of academic success and personal growth, encouraging the learners to dedicate themselves to their studies and strive for excellence.
“You must study diligently and aim for success, as it is through education that you will unlock opportunities and realize your full potential,” remarked Minister Maziya.
The Minister urged the learners to aspire to build partnerships with successful and empowered women in their future endeavours. “As you progress in life, you will encounter many successful women.
It is essential that you treat them with respect and recognize their contributions to society,” emphasized Minister Maziya.
