Chiefs to undergo ICT training

CHIEFS and other community leaders in Bulilima and Mangwe districts will undergo Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Training at the Midlands State University Satellite College set to open in Mangwe District. The Mangwe Rural Technology Institute which will be the first college in the area is set to open next month in Ingwizi area.

Mangwe Constituency Member of National Assembly Obedingwa Mguni who is also Home Affairs Deputy Minister, said he will sponsor the training for the chiefs while councillors and other traditional leaders will be trained at low costs.

"When the institute opens in September traditional leaders and councillors will receive training in ICT. The purpose of this programme is to ensure that they are able to study and interpret various instruments and acts that govern the country. This will make them relevant.

"The training will also help them to access information. I will be sponsoring the training programme for the chiefs from the two districts while the other community leaders will be trained at a low cost," he said.

Speaking at a Mangwe Rural District Development Committee meeting an official from the Midlands State University, Mr Brian Dube said the community leaders will be trained from Bhulu High School laboratories.

Mr Dube, a member of the university's community engagement committee said the university was set to introduce a variety of formal and non-formal courses.

"We have made an arrangement with Bhulu High School to use their facilities such as Science laboratories. For starters we will be conducting ICT training for community leaders from the school.

"We will then continue to offer other courses. Our curriculum will comprise courses relevant to school drop outs, O-level and A-level graduates among other levels. We will be offering a wide range of formal and non-formal courses,'' he said.

He said the university decided to open a satellite in Mangwe District following a request from community members.

He said the university was operating other satellite institutions in Mberengwa, Chivi, Buhera and Zhombe.

"We will be offering courses that are relevant to people from this part of the country such as agriculture, tourism and mining. We will also be offering courses that complement the STEM initiative.

"The college will also offer language studies to promote the development of the Kalanga language. We will offer courses that will incorporate a person with any level of education. We will also ensure that ICT training comes to the district," he said.

Mr Dube urged teachers from the district and surrounding areas to enrol in the institute in order to develop their skills and capabilities.

Community leaders who attended the meeting expressed gratitude over the institution that is set to be established in the district.