Bridging the Digital Divide – World Vision Zimbabwe Transforms ICT Learning at Mhokwe Primary School

By Isheunesu Gwasha (Program Communications Officer)

At Mhokwe Primary School in Mbire District, the sound of excited fingers tapping on keyboards now echoes through a once-unused building that has been transformed into a fully functional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) lab. Thanks to the generous support from World Vision Zimbabwe (WVZ), with funding from World Vision United States, a new era of digital learning has dawned for learners who, until recently, could only imagine what a computer looked like.

The renovated ICT block is now home to 24 brand-new desktop computers, each complete with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and CPU. The donation also included new furniture, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, a projector, air conditioners and other tools to enhance digital learning. 

Before this intervention, ICT lessons at Mhokwe Primary were held in an ordinary classroom. Learners would write notes about computers and look at diagrams of computer components, with no real exposure to technology.

"Before the renovation, it was not easy to teach ICT using just chalk and a chalkboard," said Mrs. Dumba, the ICT teacher at Mhokwe Primary. 

"Our learners only knew about the mouse or CPU (Central Processing Unit) from textbook diagrams. Today, they do not just see pictures, they touch, explore, and understand technology firsthand."

One of her most enthusiastic students, Shantel, a Grade 5 learner, shared her excitement: "I now use the computer to research my homework and school projects. I did not know computers could help me learn so many things!"

Another Grade 5 learner, David, proudly showed off a business card he designed using Microsoft Publisher. 

"I didn’t even know what Microsoft Publisher was,"  he smiled. "Now I use it to make designs. I want to be a graphic designer one day!"

For Blessmore, the ICT lab has done more than just teach new skills, it has sparked a dream.

"When I grow up, I want to be a Document Designer. I love how we create different things on the computer,” he said.

The transformation has not gone unnoticed by the school leadership. Mr. Njanji, the school head, expressed deep gratitude to World Vision. 

“This ICT lab has opened doors we never imagined possible for our learners. It’s not just about learning computers, it’s about giving them a future where they can dream beyond the boundaries of our rural setup. We are sincerely thankful to World Vision Zimbabwe and World Vision US for believing in the potential of our children.”

World Vision’s investment in ICT education at Mhokwe Primary School is part of a broader vision to equip children with 21st-century skills and bridge the digital divide in underserved communities. 

Through this intervention, learners are not only gaining digital literacy, they are discovering purpose, building confidence, and crafting new dreams for their futures. This is more than a renovation. It’s a revolution in learning.