Caleb M Fundanga: Improving school infrastructure in Zambia
Remarks by Mr Caleb M Fundanga, Governor of the Bank of Zambia, at the Handover
Ceremony of computers to Mumbwa High School, Mumbwa, 4 February 2010.
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The Board Chairperson, Mr Gracious Hamatala
Board Members Present
The PTA Chairperson, Mr Mwila Kabange
The Headmaster, Mr Kizito Kalonga
Distinguished Teachers
Students
Members of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is an honour and privilege for me to be with you today as the Bank of Zambia makes this
humble donation of 5 computers to Mumbwa High School. I am also glad because in some
small way we are making a contribution towards ensuring a brighter future for the students.
I am informed about the numerous challenges and difficulties, the school
Chairpersons,
continues to face in its quest to produce high quality education to students. For instance, I
am aware that there is a critical low level of books compared to the population of students in
the school. Further, having been established 40 years ago, the School's infrastructure
urgently needs to be rehabilitated. The refurbishment of infrastructure is not an easy task but
in the able leadership of the Board Chairperson, I have no doubt that a solution will be found
in good time. As we grapple with the ways and means of improving the school infrastructure,
let me reiterate that the school need to maintain and protect the little infrastructure available.
It is of paramount importance that the school put in place measures to avert rampant
vandalism.
Ladies and Gentlemen, let me also mention here that the challenges I have just outlined are
not only common to Mumbwa High School, but are experienced in many Government
schools. We also realize that the Government has limited resources and cannot attend to the
problems of every school in the country at one time. It is for this reason that the Bank of
Zambia has continued to donate used computers to several schools around the country. In
2009, the Bank donated a total of 60 computers to various schools including Mumbwa High
School, David Kaunda Technical High School, Information and Communications Technology
Ladders, and St Francis of Assisi in Lusaka. We are hoping that through these donations the
beneficiary schools will sustain and improve the academic performance while bridging the
digital divide.
Further, a number of schools including our own Mumbwa High School do not have internet
access to enable teachers carry out their research activities. In order to improve performance
in class, we need to ensure that we enhance the capacity of our teachers. We must
recognise that computers alone are not magic and neither should they replace chalk and
blackboards, but they should and can be used as a tool to aid learning. Providing more
computers at schools will do little without providing the tools that enhance teaching and
research like internet. It is also pertinent that teachers obtain quality and professional training
to harness and effectively utilise computers. I therefore urge you to consider enhancing
computer literacy amongst your staff.
In an information age, knowledge and effective use of computers along with sound education
will be the cornerstone of a vibrant, modern society. This is why our teachers are absolutely
critical to the future of our economy. I have no doubt that supporting our schools in the
manner that the Bank of Zambia is doing today will lead to stronger motivation and morale
amongst our students and teachers alike. I am certain that we all desire a country where our
teachers and students are proficient in using computers and extract immense value from
them. This should be the vision that we should all aspire.
Ladies and Gentlemen, In conclusion, I would like to urge all students present here today
take an interest in using computers. Computers will assist you in your studies and make your
lessons more effective, easier and enjoyable but they will not automatically make you a
genius. The computer will open doors to communication, research and opportunities.
Remember that the goal of computer literacy is for the user to become an explorer, and an
active seeker of information which I hope you will be, with this donation. Seize what you have
been bestowed with today. Guard against vandalism and use the computer facilities to
ensure a brighter future for yourselves. This is important because in future while computer
knowledge will perhaps not immediately get you a job, it will ensure that you are one step
closer to being employed.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I also recognize the efforts of the former Students Association who
have been soliciting for donations from various organizations. As former students we all have
the responsibility of helping the school that has played a key part to what you are today. Let
us continue to support our beloved school.
I thank you.