The COVID-19 pandemic unraveled the workings of the world as we knew it, and the significance of sound e-learning systems on education became evident. At the same time, the need to rely on e-learning systems laid bare all the deficiencies in developing countries. Schools in Zimbabwe were closed for long periods. The underdeveloped infrastructure and lack of tools made it impossible for schools in poor townships to provide education via e-learning to the most vulnerable youth.

Dzikwa Trust Fund tackled this barrier to education in Dzivaresekwa head-on in 2020. We started quickly building up our own capacity to provide e-learning. We realized that e-learning platforms, with proper facilitation, could be a potent instrument in closing the learning gap for students under Dzikwa Trust education support program. We were able to secure smartphones and tablets, thanks to Bank of Finland, Huawei Zimbabwe and UNICEF Zimbabwe donations.

Dzikwa Trust Centre can provide a safe environment to make use of digital learning solutions. The Center’s internet connectivity was even enhanced for e-learning. We nominated one dedicated Officer to oversee all e-learning efforts and we secured access to devices to start in July 2020.  After research, we chose affordable e-learning platforms with suitable content and data for the curriculum and examinations in Zimbabwe.

Dzikwa Trust e-learning facilitation was initially extended to writing classes only. However, with the evidence of its impact on school performance, we have slowly extended the service to more class levels, & 244 pupils from Grade 4 to Form 6 can easily access numerous educational resources & research through the following e-learning platforms:

i) Learning Passport

ii) LearnersTab & Teacher in A Box

iii) Akello Smart Learning (previously Ruzivo)