The frantic effort of the government of Zambia to turn the country into an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub has been boosted to near-success as Wye Valley Zambia based in the United Kingdom (UK) has sourced and donated 50 laptops to a high school in the country.
Wye Valley Zambia project of the UK is a charitable organization which has partnered with Libala High School since 2006.
In this new development, the Project Director of Wye Valley Zambia, Sue Pomeroy said the consignment of 50 laptops will be arriving the Zambia from the UK this week.
“Our charity has been trying to get hold of 50 computers to send to Libala High School for their ICT week in March to coincide with the launch of their Microsoft school programme.
“We have been very lucky and had 50 laptops donated to us by a company called RSM-UK. The laptops will be in Zambia this week,” said the Director.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Muyeba Chikonde said the attainment of a Smart Zambia as directed by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is possible if all Zambians pull together, adding that the donation of fifty laptops to Libala High School is one such significant contribution as the country gravitates towards a Smart Zambia in the next decade.
He said, “The Zambian Government is committed to the Smart Zambia process through the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) and the newly established National Data Centre,” adding that President Lungu is keen to see the Civil service fully adapt to the e-governance system, which the president hopes will become part of his Government’s legacy”.
The Diplomat said that Wye Valley Zambia 50 laptop goodwill to the country also proves the growing people to people relations between Zambia and the United Kingdom.
Pomeroy said that apart from Libala High School, her charity is also working with Kabwata, Chilenge and Libala basic Schools.
In his comments, Public Relations Manager for RSM-UK, Frank Shepherd, said that his company is pleased to contribute towards a good cause and hoped that the laptops will go a long way in complementing the government programme of installing ICT infrastructure in learning institutions across the country.
“We understand that His Excellency President Lungu places huge importance on the development of ICT’s in the country through the Smart Zambia Initiative which he has directed to filter to all sectors including institutions of learning.
“This donation is an effort towards this goal and we hope other companies can emulate our gesture,” he said.