The government and Microsoft, the world’s leading Information and Communication Technology firm are now negotiating over a project to introduce computer education in Tanzanian schools.
”As I am speaking, Microsoft representatives and government officials are proceeding with talks on the initiative,” said Munir Bharwani, Red Dot Group Director, in an exclusive interview yesterday.
The director was speaking during the company’s launch of Microsoft software and hardware, in Dar es Salaam.
The proposal seeks to enhance computer-based teaching and learning in schools down to the grassroots levels.
”The idea is to equip Tanzanian students with ICT and use the facilities in their studies.
It helps students to cope with increasingly modernised world of science and knowledge,” said the Red Dot official.
Talks between the government and Microsoft over the introduction of computer knowledge in schools started during President Jakaya Kikwete’s visit to South Africa.
”Both Kikwete and Microsoft officials had fruitful discussions Microsoft is now out in full swing to assist Tanzania in accelerating ICT development, taking the same to schools,” said Bharwani.
Implementation of the initiative is expected to take off soon, but the official said: ”You can get more details from the government. In a few days to come, you will hear a statement about this from the government.”
”Yes! I agree with you that we have power problem, shortage of ICT teachers and facilities. But this is not going to be a one-man show.
Microsoft is not going to do everything alone,” said the Red Dot official, adding: ”All stakeholders would be involved in addressing and finding a solution to the problems. In fact, we will work together.”
He is confident that introduction of ICT in Tanzanian schools would boost the education quality and the country’s economy as well.
Red Dot Marketing Manager Shazmah Ladak, said after the launch that the ICT Company would start distributing Microsoft hardware and software to its over 100 retail outlets.
”To our company, this development connotes one step towards success. We pledge to cooperate with retail agents and make Microsoft programmes and facilities available in Tanzania at competitive prices,” said Ladak.
