The TEVET Authority has today officially handed over 220 high end computers and 20 multipurpose printers to 20 technical and vocational training institutions in the country to enhance teaching of AutoCAD and promotion of digital skills.The Authority's Board Chairperson, Mr Pyoka Tembo presided over the symbolic handover ceremony at Linthipe Community Technical College in Salima this morning.The Board Chairperson was flanked by the Authority's Executive Director, Mr Elwin Sichiola, the Director of Training Programmes, Mr Modesto Gomani and the Director of Administration for Salima District Council Mr Right Barton who represented the District Commissioner.Also present at the ceremony was a representative of Traditional Authority Maganga, Mrs Isha Mgawi.According to the Authority's Board Chairperson, the gadgets have been procured to the tune of K800 million to promote digital skills among the country's youths. "Computers are no longer a luxury in TEVET," he stressed, adding that "they are a necessity which makes learning more interactive, allowing students to access digital resources, simulations, and virtual labs that bring theory to life."In his remarks, digital literacy has become an essential skill in today’s workplace."Whether in design, accounting, engineering, or entrepreneurship, industry now demands graduates who are not only technically skilled but also computer proficient," he said.Speaking at the same ceremony, the Authority's Executive Director urged trainees to take good care of the facilities."I wish to appeal to trainees to put these and all other College resources to good use for the sake on the next generation," said the Executive Director.Receiving the facilities on behalf of the District Commissioner, Mr Barton expressed gratitude to the TEVET Authority for the intervention, describing it as a worthwhile investmemt.Principal for the College Mrs Josophine Kamanga appealed for more support towards enhancement of security at the College in form of a perimeter fence. This exercise as witnessed today is in keeping with one of the Authority’s key functions to support training institutions with relevant training tools and equipment for quality teaching and learning. It also aligns with the policy shift the Authority took to discontinue procurement and distribution of tools for apprentices and focus on a more sustainable procurement of equipment and tools for training institutions.The exercise has benefited Community Skills Development Centres and Community Technical Colleges that are in dire need of computers, in all the three regions of the country.
