Sponsor E learning Tools for marginalized Schools (and students) in Zimbabwe

The Covid 19 Pandemic has led to unprecedented changes to people’s livelihoods Globally. Countries with stronger and stable economies are providing rescue packages and interventions to their whole citizenry. On the other hand, developing countries such as Zimbabwe will find it very difficult, if not impossible, to cope with this humanitarian crisis.

Children have become the greatest victims to the Covid 19 pandemic since most of the measures being taken to contain the virus have a negative impact on their growth and development. Schools and Colleges have been shut due to requirements for Social Distancing as measure for containing the spread of the virus. The world is shifting to E learning, but in Zimbabwe, this remains a preserve of a few. Whilst the internet penetration rate in Zimbabwe is at 60.6 percent as recorded in the last quarter of 2019, the actual connectivity and usage of internet remains a preserve of a few, mainly based in urban centers.

Therefore, the biggest challenge that most families are facing at the moment is the inability to continue with the education of their children. In rural and remote areas, the problem is even worse. The challenge is on both accessing material and getting that human advice when the child needs more than what a textbook can explain.

ELearning and/Online Lessons have become the best solution at the moment and will continue to be so in the future. However, most schools and Parents in Zimbabwe do not have the means and capacity to undertake such. Children in the Rural and remote areas are worst affected, where even the teachers find it difficult even to access the Internet.

Thus the, biggest challenge that most families are facing at the moment is the inability to continue with the education of their children

The Challenges

1. Schools are closed

Due to the mandated closures, schools will be closed for a longer period than usual. The mode of learning is also going to shift towards Digital

2. Lack of Computers for E learning

Whilst Laptops are out of Reach for both Students and Teachers, accessing E Learning resources on the Phone is also very difficult

3. Lack of Internet Connectivity

Most remote schools do not have internet connectivity, or even just a Website for disseminating critical information

4. Fear of Technology (Changes)

Most people are afraid of technology, and the changes it brings to the Status Quo. They are not mentally prepared to embrace the change.

We believe that we can are the must needed facilitator, conduit and catalyst for solving these challenges. We cannot do this all alone, and hence we need your help.

Here is what we need - Tools and Programmes for enabling Online Learning

1. 800+ Laptops

To be distributed to Students in 80 Marginalized Schools in 8 Provinces

2. 80+ Internet Connections

We seek to connect 80 Communities (around Schools), plus 80 Websites for the Schools

3. E learning Awareness

Through Radios, Television and Social Media in order to psychologically prepare the School authorities, teachers and the students

We believe that this is only a beginning and a catalyst for other Humanitarian Assistance Organizations and Corporate Entities to join us in this endeavour. Our Initial Budget is USD 100 000 plus the actual equipment, which can be rolled over for the next group of schools as the project progresses.

About Us

We are AcaNET Trust, Academic Network Trust, is a duly registred Trust, established to provide sustainable solutions towards the well being and career development of underprivileged students in Zimbabwe. We are a youth-led Charitable, Non-Profit Organization that was established in 2018, and exist as a catalyst for best practices, community development and generosity in Zimbabwe. We bring together students, teachers, employers, philanthropists, dollars, ideas and best practices to shape Zimbabwe’s future today.

Read More About the Project On http://www.elearningforzim.co.zw/