Shurugwi North legislator Joseph Mpasi on Friday handed over Starlink internet kits to four schools in his constituency, marking a major step toward digital inclusion in rural communities.
The beneficiary institutions are Takunda Secondary School, Juchuta Secondary School, Chitora Secondary School and Tumba Primary School.
The satellite internet kits were donated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa through the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services.
The initiative aligns with the Second Republic’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), which prioritises digital transformation, innovation and inclusive access to information communication technologies across the country.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mpasi said the connectivity boost would bridge the digital divide between urban and rural learners.
“Today we are witnessing a transformative moment for Shurugwi North. Through the leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Ministry of ICT, our rural schools are now connected to the world. This is not just about internet access — it is about unlocking global knowledge, embracing artificial intelligence applications, and equipping our learners with 21st-century skills,” said Mpasi.
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He added that access to high-speed internet would enable schools to adopt paperless systems, improve research capabilities and enhance both teaching and learning standards.
“We want our children to compete at the same level as any learner in urban centres. Connectivity ensures digital equity and positions our constituency to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s knowledge-driven economy,” he said.
The Starlink technology provides satellite-based high-speed internet, particularly suitable for remote and underserved areas where conventional fibre infrastructure is limited.
School heads and community leaders welcomed the development, describing it as a game-changer for curriculum delivery, online examinations, research, e-learning platforms and digital administration systems.
Under NDS 2, the government has committed to expanding ICT infrastructure, promoting innovation hubs and accelerating the digitalisation of public services.
The rollout of internet connectivity to rural schools is seen as part of broader efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s education system and stimulate grassroots participation in the digital economy.
Mpasi urged the schools to safeguard the equipment and maximise its use for academic and innovation purposes.
“This investment must translate into improved results, digital literacy and new opportunities for our learners. The future is digital, and Shurugwi North must not be left behind,” he said.
The development underscores the Second Republic’s drive to leverage technology as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation and inclusive growth.
Meanwhile, the impact of the Shurugwi North Youth Indaba continues to manifest across the constituency, with tangible empowerment projects now reaching urban and rural wards.
On Monday, Mpasi oversaw the distribution of poultry starter packs to several wards, fulfilling commitments made during last year’s youth engagement forum.
Urban wards — Rusununguko A, Rusununguko B, Gukurahundi A and Gukurahundi B — each received 500 chicks, 50kg of starter feed and 50 stress pack kits.
Rushazha ward received 100 chicks, 20kg of starter feed and 10 stress pack kits.
The initiative is aimed at promoting income-generating projects among young people while enhancing food security at household level.
Mpasi said the programme demonstrates that the youth indaba was not merely a talk shop but a platform for action.
“These were the promises we made during our Youth Indaba last year, and today we are fulfilling them — day by day, step by step. Youth empowerment is not a slogan; it is a practical commitment to ensuring our young people have sustainable livelihoods,” said Mpasi.
He added that poultry projects remain one of the most accessible and viable entry points into agribusiness for young entrepreneurs, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings.
“We want our youths in Rusununguko, Gukurahundi and Rushazha to become self-reliant. Through these starter packs, we are laying the foundation for small businesses that can grow into meaningful enterprises,” he said.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support, noting that the starter packs would help them venture into poultry production without the burden of initial capital costs.
Mpasi urged the young people to work collectively, manage the projects responsibly and reinvest profits to expand their operations.
“Let us use these resources wisely. The goal is to create sustainable projects that uplift families and strengthen our constituency’s economy.
“Have a fruitful week as you begin this journey,” he said.