Newsday
By Nqobile Bhebhe
27 October 2011
Government has entered into a joint venture with a leading global information technology company, Apple, to distribute solar-powered iPads to remote rural schools in Zimbabwe .
The programme is part of efforts to reduce the digital divide between the rural and urban areas in the country.
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture minister David Coltart, who is currently in Europe, announced the development yesterday via his Facebook page.
“Great meeting with Apple today in Paris (French capital) — unveiled a fascinating new ‘School Box’ which will take iPads to the most remote rural schools – using solar power and micro projectors we will be able to bring computerised teaching aids to the poorest schools. I hope we will get the first pilot programmes started early next year,†he wrote on his page.
“I am very excited that Zimbabwe is collaborating with Apple in this groundbreaking use of technology to advance education in the most remote schools. If we can get it to work in Zimbabwe I am sure it will spread to poor schools throughout Africa – and beyond.â€
Students in developed nations use the sleek tablets to develop reports, conduct research, read e-books and study.
iPads can also be connected to a projector and easily share a multi-media presentation.
Most rural schools in Zimbabwe lack basic infrastructure and several computers donated by President Robert Mugabe as part of his rural computerisation programme have either been stolen or remained unused due to absence of electricity.
Please note: The press unfortunately have read too much into my comment. I need to stress that there is no agreement with Apple but we would like to use iPad technology and we are in discussions in this regard. Furthermore the “School box†concept is being run by the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in Dublin.  – David Coltart