WE, in the village, are right up there, with everyone else; we are not lagging behind, all types of gadgets can be found in our communities. 

On the landscape of modern development, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) stands as a potent force, reshaping industries, economies and societies at large. 

In Zimbabwe, the recognition of ICTs as a game-changer in propelling the nation towards progress is gaining momentum. 

As echoed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution is imperative for Zimbabwe’s leap towards an upper-middle income economy. 

Central to this vision is the pivotal role of education in nurturing a technologically literate citizenry. 

It’s a clarion call to action, not just for the Government but for every stakeholder to play their part in equipping schools with the necessary tools to embrace the digital age. 

The integration of ICTs into the education sector holds transformative potential, revolutionising traditional teaching methods and unlocking new avenues for learning. 

In a world increasingly reliant on digital technologies, it’s imperative that Zimbabwe’s youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate this landscape effectively. 

Gone are the days when ICTs were the domain of a privileged few; it’s time for every citizen to feel empowered by technology, starting from the grassroots. 

The vision of retooling every school in the country with the requisite gadgets is not just a lofty aspiration but a tangible step towards building a future-ready workforce. 

From primary schools to tertiary institutions, the emphasis on ICT literacy must be ingrained in every learner and in the fabric of the education system. 

And embracing ICTs is not just about learning how to use computers or tablets; it’s about fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity — the essential skills for success in the digital age. 

Moreover, the benefits of embracing ICTs extend far beyond the confines of the classroom. 

In critical sectors, such as education, health and agriculture, ICTs have the potential to revolutionise service delivery, enhance efficiency, and improve outcomes in the above-mentioned areas. 

From e-learning platforms that democratise access to education to telemedicine initiatives that bridge the gap in healthcare provision, the possibilities are limitless — we will indeed leapfrog where others crawled. 

However, realising this vision requires more than just rhetoric; it demands concrete action and commitment from all stakeholders. While the Government plays a crucial role in creating an enabling environment for ICTs adoption, including infrastructure development and policy formulation, the responsibility of driving change extends to every citizen. 

Community engagement and collaboration are key to ensuring the success of ICTs initiatives in education. This entails not only providing schools with the necessary hardware and software but also investing in teacher training and capacity building. 

Empowering educators with the skills and confidence to integrate ICTs into their teaching practices is essential for driving meaningful change in the classroom. 

Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship is paramount in harnessing the full potential of ICTs. 

Encouraging students to explore technology-driven solutions to real-world problems not only nurtures creativity but also equips them with valuable skills for the future job market. 

Initiatives, such as coding clubs and hackathons can serve as incubators for innovation, fostering a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs. 

In line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of a digital economy, connectivity must be prioritised to ensure that all communities, regardless of their location, have access to the tools and resources needed to thrive in the digital age. 

By empowering marginalised communities with access to information and opportunities, ICTs have the power to drive inclusive growth and development across the nation. 

Moreover, the role of ICTs in promoting civic engagement and democratic participation cannot be overstated. 

In an increasingly interconnected world, digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for citizens to engage effectively and have almost all voices heard. 

By harnessing the power of social media, online platforms and digital communication channels, and using them responsibly and effectively, Zimbabweans can collectively shape the future of their nation. 

The integration of ICTs into the education sector is not just a matter of technological advancement but of national development. 

By equipping Zimbabwe’s future generations with the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to thrive in the digital age, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future. 

It’s a journey that requires collective effort and unwavering commitment. 

As we strive to harness the transformative power of ICTs, let us seize this opportunity to propel Zimbabwe towards a future of innovation, inclusivity and prosperity for all.