Smart Classrooms Transform Rungwe Secondary Education

‘Smart Classroom’ Initiative Set to Empower Rungwe Secondary Students and Graduates

Saturday, March 29, 2025

A transformative digital learning initiative is taking root in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, as Mpuguso Secondary School prepares to launch a “smart classroom” aimed at delivering ICT education remotely to students across multiple schools, both within and beyond the district—without the need for physical teacher presence.

The digital classroom is designed to enhance educational access and equip students with vital technological skills to foster self-employment opportunities after graduation, reducing reliance on government or private sector jobs.

Speaking during the handover of 80 laptop computers to four secondary schools in the district, David Nyangaka, Coordinator of Reneal International Education Outreach, emphasized that the investment seeks to strengthen the education sector and support government efforts in advancing digital literacy.

“These laptops are pre-installed with core and supplementary academic materials, enabling both students and teachers to access high-quality ICT education,” said Nyangaka. He urged recipient schools to maintain the equipment properly and ensure its effective utilization.

Nyangaka further encouraged schools to formally register ICT as a subject, similar to initiatives in regions like Arusha, where students pursue combinations such as Physics, Chemistry, and ICT (PCM), helping them specialize in modern science and tech fields.

One of the direct beneficiaries, Mpuguso Secondary School, received 20 laptops to facilitate ICT learning. Students have already begun engaging with the subject, which is expected to broaden their digital mindset and career readiness.

“Our objective is to empower students to become self-reliant upon completing their studies. This initiative also aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to promote ICT education,” Nyangaka added, noting his role as Chief ICT Officer at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

He clarified that Rungwe is not the first to benefit from this initiative; over 35 local government authorities in nine regions across the country have received similar support. The initiative is offered free of charge to qualifying schools.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Reliable electricity supply

• A dedicated room for the equipment

• A minimum student population of 300

• A strategic implementation plan from the local authority

According to Nyangaka, Rungwe successfully met all these criteria.

Representing the Rungwe District Commissioner, District Executive Officer Amimu Mwandelile stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to technology for all students.

“Every school should receive such resources to avoid creating a divide between digitally literate and illiterate learners,” Mwandelile said. “The government remains committed, but we urge other education stakeholders to step forward and support these development efforts.”

Mwandelile added that while this is a significant step forward, it’s not too late for others to join the movement to extend the benefits to every student across Rungwe.

Supporting the initiative is Aliko Anyambilile, Director of Mwaiteleke Foundation, whose vision is to expand technological access across the district.

“Our goal is to reach at least 10 schools soon, starting with Mpuguso, Lupoto, Kinyala, and Ikuti, which have already received computers. Each of these will be equipped with 20 laptops to support ICT learning,” Anyambilile said, calling for more donors to participate in the effort.

Students, too, are embracing the change. Magreth Mkoveke, one of the students at Mpuguso, noted how the ICT subject is reshaping their thinking.

“We’re eager to learn, follow instructions, and more importantly, envision a future where we create our own employment opportunities,” she said.

ICT teacher Philimon Mwakyusa, who received training to deliver the curriculum, expressed his enthusiasm about the impact.

“Being among the first to receive this technology is a privilege. We’re ready to guide our students in mastering ICT tools—whether it’s creating wedding cards or other practical applications,” said Mwakyusa.