(Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by ZIMDAILY EDITOR)
HARARE -Safeguard the youth in the online environment as digital technologies increasingly permeate the lives of children, POTRAZ Director General Dr. G. K Machengete advised the academia, telecommunications, educators, law enforcement, civil society and relevant government officials during a research dissemination workshop in Harare today.
By Rumbidzai Mutomba
Two significant research projects have been conducted which are “Assessment of Digital Literacy Among Secondary school teachers in Zimbabwe” and ” Child Online Safety Survey” and these studies hold paramount importance as their results have far-reaching implications for policy formulation and implementation in both the ICT and Education sector.
Speaking during the workshop held at Cresta lodge, Dr Machengete noted that the Digital Literacy Assessment Among Secondary School Teachers signifies a concerted effort to enhance digital literacy within Zimbabwe’s educational landscape.
“In today’s digital age, equipping educators with the necessary skills is crucial to prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The findings to be shared today will provide valuable insights into the current state of digital literacy among educators, guiding targeted interventions and capacity-building initiatives,” he said.
Machengete added that the insights from the survey inform the formulation of strategies and policies to protect children in the digital sphere.Â
“I urge each of you to actively engage with the research findings to be presented today. Let us seize this opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and pave the way towards a future where digital literacy is not merely a skill but a fundamental right for all,
“Together, let us harness the transformative power of digital technologies to empower educators, safeguard our children, and build a brighter future for Zimbabwe,” he said.
He added that the discussions will serve as a catalyst for positive change, propelling forward the agenda of digital inclusion and child online safety in Zimbabwe.
“In hosting engagements as this one, we recognize the vital role of policymakers and implementers in translating research findings into actionable policies and practices so that we develop our part of the world into the world we want,” he added.
The Assessment of Digital Literacy Among Secondary School Teachers in Zimbabwe, was conducted under the partnership between POTRAZ and the Research Council of Zimbabwe, while the inaugural Child Online Safety Survey, carried out by POTRAZ in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.