Govt to roll out digital libraries in 1 500 schools across Zimbabwe

By James Muonwa l Mashonaland West Correspondent

THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says it is aware of the dynamic and shifting technological needs of learners and has begun rolling out digital libraries in more than 1 500 schools across Zimbabwe.

Addressing delegates attending the 57th Zimbabwe Library Association Annual Conference, held on Wednesday in Kariba under the theme: “Positioning the Library and Information Profession in a Knowledge-Driven Economy”, Minister Torerai Moyo said the digital libraries will benefit mostly disadvantaged learning centres.

“This programme is identifying some of the most disadvantaged schools that benefited from solarisation and access to computers and laptops from various government agencies and development partners.

“These are some of the major milestones that my ministry hopes to achieve in support of increased access to educational resources as an anchor to human capital development and innovation towards the national Vision 2030,” he said.

“By providing access to a diverse array of resources ranging from traditional textbooks to digital media, libraries empower our learners to engage in exploratory learning that promotes creativity and skills development for problem-solving.”

The minister said library, information and knowledge management professionals were change agents influencing socio-economic transformation.

He noted that increased access to both print and digital educational resources positions libraries as key players in promoting digital literacy, critical thinking and an innovative mindset that responds to the needs of citizens.

“This theme emphasises the critical role of library, information and knowledge management professionals in promoting increased access to knowledge as an anchor to socio-economic transformation in the country.

“The theme places libraries as a vital cog in the rapid implementation of technological advancements and the changing information needs in the society.

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has the national responsibility of promoting access to quality, inclusive and equitable education as a critical enabler towards the aspirations of the National Vision 2030,” said Moyo.

The ministry is implementing the Heritage-Based Curriculum (2024-2030) in which the education system is aligned to the country’s heritage and natural endowments.

“I, therefore, challenge librarians to examine and introspect on the resources that are available in our libraries in terms of their adequacy to meet this reconfiguration of the educational system. I am excited that this gathering brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds.

“As the ministry responsible for the development of national libraries, I am happy to advise you that several milestones are currently being implemented to enable the proper reconfiguration of the national library service in the country.

“I have already granted authority to initiate the process of appointing the National Library and Documentation Services (NLDS) Council, in terms of Section 10 of the NLDS Act (Chapter 25:10). I believe that this Council will provide valuable advisory services to the Ministry in promoting intellectual and cultural heritage of the nation.

“The Ministry has also initiated the process of reviewing the NLDS Act (Chapter 25:10) with a view to accelerating the amendment of the Act in line with the emerging technologies and responding to the needs of our people.”

Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwe Library Association outgoing president, McDonald Nhakura said the role of librarians in national development has become more pronounced.

“As we navigate the complexities of the digital era, we must recognize that knowledge is a pivotal asset in contemporary economies.

“The role of library and information professionals has never been more critical. We are the custodians of knowledge, the guides in the vast ocean of information, and the innovators who drive change.

“Our responsibilities extend beyond traditional boundaries of issuing of books but we are positioned as ideation centres where all brainstorming sessions commence from while fostering creativity and innovation in our communities.

“In light of Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 framework, which emphasises the integration of teaching, research, community engagement, innovation and industrialisation, libraries are positioned to be at the forefront as ideation centres of this paradigm shift,” said Nhakura.

He added that brainstorming sessions start in the library as peer-reviewed information is pushed towards the clientele to ethically use it to foster national development.

“Our institutions as libraries now serve as hubs where education meets innovation, inspiring new ideas and solutions. By promoting a heritage-based philosophy, we can ensure that our rich cultural history informs our modern practices, laying a foundation for sustainable development. As librarians, we have a vital role in advancing Vision 2030.

“We contribute to this vision by equipping our communities with essential information literacy skills—skills that empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape,” Nhakura said.