Computer lab enhances digital learning at Bukoba school

BUKOBA: COMPUTER labs play a crucial role in enhancing learning experiences at schools by providing access to technology, promoting digital literacy and fostering essential skills for the 21st century.

They offer a space where students can engage with various educational software, conduct research, collaborate on projects and develop skills relevant to future academic and professional pursuits.

Maruku Secondary School in Bukoba Rural District has witnessed a sharp rise in academic performance. This is due to reliable electricity and the availability of computers that enable students to study in conducive environment.

Headmistress of the school, Ms Stephania Gerald said: “In this rapidly advancing world, computer literacy is as essential as reading or writing. Be it online form filling, an online class or even a smartphone, digital literacy has become a necessary skill for all, especially for students. And this is where school labs fit into the picture. They are not mere rooms with machines, but spaces that unveil an entirely new universe of learning, discovery and developing confidence with technology,” she said.

Ms Gerald thanked USBased Adventures in Health, Education and Agricultural Development (AHEAD INC) for a donation of 35 computers and constructing a basketball and volleyball courts, all worth 76m/- to Maruku Secondary School.

“The donation of computers enhances our digital learning capacity, giving our students the tools they need to thrive in a technologydriven world. The basketball and volleyball court will not only promote physical health, discipline and team work among our students, but also offer them a conducive environment to develop talents that one day will lead to professional opportunities,” Ms Gerald said.

ALSO READ: Moshi School launches computer lab to spur digital literacy

AHEAD Inc (USA) Executive Director, Dr Donna Williams Ngirwa, highlighted that Friends of AHEAD Inc and individual citizens from the US were keen to assist Tanzania in various sectors including health and education to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This is a continuation support to Tanzania. Two years ago, AHEAD Inc donated health equipment worth 86m/- to Maruku Health Centre. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) included 2,000 protective face shields, 31,200 boxes of gloves and 2,400 surgical gowns. AHEAD Inc (USA) stands side by side with our partners in Kagera Region as we continue our commitment to improving education and healthcare in the local villages and in Tanzania as a whole,” Ms Gerald said.

AHEAD Inc Tanzania in collaboration with AHEAD Inc (USA), also donated equipment worth 214.4m/-, including a sonogram machine with printer, a universal anesthesia and an ultrasound machine.

Other equipment includes a blood bank refrigerator, a refrigerator freezer component for pharmaceutical material, a screen folding with curtains and a blood grouping reagents kit.

Bukoba District Commissioner, Mr Erasto Sima, while receiving the donation thanked AHEAD Inc Tanzania and the diaspora for supporting government efforts in improving education and health services.

“On behalf of the government, I thank AHEAD Inc Tanzania and the diaspora for supporting the government efforts in improving education and health services. The timely assistance is highly valued,” he said.