Digital Learning Platform to Boost Children's Education

A new digital curriculum platform has been launched in the Southern Province, promising to transform how secondary school students learn key subjects including science and mathematics.

The Ministry of Education, working with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), has rolled out the platform targeting grades 10-12 students in its first phase.

The initiative covers five core subjects: physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and English. It also includes innovative virtual laboratories where students can interact directly with learning materials.

The platform is designed to help all children succeed, including those with disabilities. A computer studies teacher from Southern Province highlighted how the system will support hearing-impaired students. "We are told the app is coming with sign language interpretation, so that will be a very good thing for them-they will be able to communicate with the computer well."

The digital platform works both online and offline, ensuring children in remote areas can still access quality education materials even without reliable internet connections.

Geoffrey Kanguma from the Ministry of Education explained, "The virtual labs are there so that learners can interact with the system, providing personalised and engaging experiences that help children achieve their full potential."

ZICTA is prioritising child safety as part of the rollout. Communications Officer Jayne Chilumba said they are educating students, teachers and parents about online risks including cyberbullying, scams and inappropriate content.

"We want to foster collaboration between parents, educators and administrators to ensure a safe online environment for our children," she said.

District Education Board Secretary for Choma, Denise Hameja, emphasised the importance of sharing access widely, "Let's ensure our learners and parents can access these materials both online and offline."

The platform represents a significant step forward in making quality education more accessible to children, particularly in underserved areas where traditional learning resources may be limited.