Gov’t Launches Schoolnet Project To Enhance Internet Connectivity In Schools
The government has launched SchoolNet connectivity programs in order to improve digital learning among students, teachers, and the community as a whole.
PS Jerome Ochieng of the State Department of ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs says the Schoolnet connectivity program is being piloted in nine schools across the country to teach young children digital skills.
“When fully operationalized, the program is expected to provide broadband internet connectivity to all public and private schools,” he said.
Speaking at the launch on Friday at Irechero Primary School in Ikolomani Constituency, Ochieng stated that the connectivity will not only support the Competence-Based Curriculum but will also instil digital skills in children at a young age, preparing them for the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“We want to provide a better foundation to the children to be ready to adopt digital skills as early as possible, nowadays most jobs have embraced digital skills locking out the majority of applicants who lack them,” he said.
The PS urged students to take advantage of the government’s opportunities to hone their skills and do online work through the Ajira Digital Programme.
“The goodness with technology is that it equalizes and makes it possible for everybody to access all information and opportunities available worldwide. We can use the internet to share teachers, we can use it to share knowledge and experiences,” he pointed out.
Ochieng noted that Digital skills is part of the five pillars of the National Government’s Digital Economy strategy to position Kenya as one of the digital economies in Africa.
He stated that the government is committed to meeting the goal by also providing a sophisticated digital infrastructure, digitizing government services through the Digital government, and encouraging innovation through the Digital economy pillar.
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The PS stated that the government is concerned that young children are not left behind in the acquisition of digital skills because they are born into a digital world with easy access to devices that contain digital tools.
As a result, he claims, most government services are now performed online, reducing the use of paperwork that previously evaded the system.
