Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Kangwa Chileshe, has underscored the critical role the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) plays in enhancing operations in various sectors of the economy such as education, health and Agriculture.
Speaking when he officiated at the graduation ceremony for Anvil Coding Academy in Lusaka today, Mr Kangwa said his Ministry is keen to see an innovative youths that can propel Zambia’s economic transformation through digital
He explained that the vision of the Ministry is to have a creative and innovative Ministry promoting productivity and excellence in Youth, Sport and Arts
Mr Kangwa added that skills development continues to be a key vehicle to promote Youth empowerment and employment and emphasised that the Government is fully aware that skills development is one sure way to create jobs.
He said Government is working with Smart Zambia in facilitating the installation of Star link in all it’s 23 skills training centres through which Youths are able to access Internet during learning.
“We live in an era where we can afford to live without ICT. Everything we see is integrated with technology as all sectors depend on technology to innovate and be competitive,” he said.
He has thus commended Anvil Coding Academy management for teaching young learners computer coding, a skill which provides an opportunity for young people to develop APPs that help innovation and competitiveness.
The PS stated that coding is not just about building APPs and games, but about solving problems in areas such as agriculture, where farmers can predict weather, manage crops and connect to markets.
“I want to commend Anvil coding Academy for what they are doing, this is not a small achievement but a contribution to national building as it prepares young people to solve tomorrow’s problems,” he said.
And Family Development Initiative team leader, Sheilc Yossuf Ayani said Zambia needs to prepare young people with digital literacy if the country can realise economic growth.
He said his organisation has entered into partnership with Anvil Coding Academy after realising that education must go beyond just a class room but to empower youths with skills and innovation.
Earlier, Anvil coding Academy Director, Humprey Mpundu said the school management is training young minds in digital technology for them to be innovators in future.
He explained that at Anvil coding Academy, the role is to teach and produce content creators in digital space, saying that the richest man on earth is the technologist.
