Project Details

Mkuranga ICT Infrastructure & Digital Inclusion Pilot Project

Technology for Education & Green Energy (TEGE) is developing the Mkuranga ICT Infrastructure & Digital Inclusion Pilot Project to expand access to practical digital learning opportunities for students and educators.

The initiative is designed around five selected schools in Mkuranga District, with the goal of establishing five functional ICT learning environments that enable students to learn, practise and apply digital skills in an inclusive and practical setting.

Project Background

Digital skills are increasingly important for education, employment, entrepreneurship, communication and participation in the modern economy. However, access to practical ICT learning environments remains limited in many schools.

The Mkuranga pilot responds to this challenge by connecting school infrastructure with technology, digital learning and capacity building. The selected schools already have rooms that can be used for ICT laboratories and have access to electricity, creating a foundation on which appropriate digital learning environments can be established.

The Challenge

The assessment conducted by TEGE identified important gaps affecting practical digital learning across the selected schools.

• No computers currently available in the selected ICT rooms.
• No existing internet or connectivity infrastructure for ICT learning.
• Computer desks and tables are not yet available.
• Some ICT rooms require minor improvements before full use.
• Students need greater opportunities for practical digital skills development.

Selected Schools

The pilot is designed for five selected schools in Mkuranga District, collectively representing 5,957 students and five ICT Teachers.

Project Objectives

The project seeks to create practical and sustainable opportunities for students to develop digital knowledge and use technology responsibly.

• Establish functional ICT learning environments in five schools.
• Increase students' access to computers and digital learning resources.
• Strengthen practical digital skills among students.
• Promote safe and responsible Internet and social media use.
• Support teachers in creating meaningful ICT learning opportunities.
• Explore digital platforms that can strengthen access to educational resources.

One Lab. One Complete Digital Learning Environment.

Each ICT laboratory is envisioned as a complete learning environment rather than simply a room containing computers. The project brings together appropriate equipment, connectivity, power protection, security and learning support.

• Student computer workstations.
• Teacher laptop and presentation equipment.
• Network and connectivity infrastructure.
• Power protection and basic ICT security.
• Appropriate furniture and learning setup.

Digital Skills & Responsible Technology Use

The project goes beyond providing equipment. Students will be supported to understand how technology can be used for learning, creativity, communication and future opportunities.

Particular attention will be given to safe and responsible Internet use, including awareness around responsible social media use, digital behaviour and making informed choices when interacting with online content and services.

National Education Platform (NEP)

As part of the broader digital education vision, TEGE is also exploring the development and implementation of a National Education Platform (NEP) to support access to educational resources and digital learning opportunities.

NEP is envisioned as a complementary digital education component that can help connect learners, educators and relevant educational resources through technology.

Why Mkuranga?

Mkuranga provides an important setting for a district-level digital inclusion pilot. The area has experienced significant economic and population growth alongside expanding industrial activity.

Strengthening digital education in such an environment can help prepare young people with practical knowledge and skills relevant to education, employment, entrepreneurship, technology and participation in a changing economy.

Expected Outcomes

Through the pilot, TEGE aims to contribute to measurable improvements in access to digital learning and practical technology use.

• Five schools equipped with functional ICT learning environments.
• Improved access to computers for students and teachers.
• Increased opportunities for practical digital skills learning.
• Greater awareness of safe and responsible Internet use.
• Stronger opportunities for technology-based learning and innovation.
• A model that can inform future digital inclusion initiatives.

Partnership Opportunity

TEGE welcomes collaboration with organizations, technology companies, telecommunications providers, development partners, institutions and other stakeholders interested in expanding digital education and inclusion.

Partnership support may contribute to ICT equipment, connectivity, infrastructure, digital skills training, learning resources, mentorship, technical expertise, monitoring and other components required to establish sustainable ICT learning environments.

By working together, partners can contribute to creating practical digital learning opportunities for thousands of students while supporting a scalable model for community digital inclusion.