CSOs ask government to priorities digital learning programs in primary schools

Lilongwe Civil Society Organisation network has asked the government to invest more in digital learning in rural areas saying it has the capacity in increasing access to education and knowledge in primary schools.

Vice chairperson for Lilongwe Civil Society Organisation Network, Harold Munthali, who is also Programmes Manager for World Vision made the remarks during Lilongwe District Council commemoration for “Day of African Child” in Traditional Authority Mazengera which aims at raising awareness of the ongoing need to improve education for Children in Africa.

He pointed out that parents should always check what their children are watching, and government and service providers must do their part in ensuring online safety for children so that they can prevent cyberbullying, grooming, trafficking, and exposure to inappropriate material.

“Children in rural areas should have the right to access information and participate in the digital world and be provided with the necessary digital literacy skills to pilot the online world carefully and critically,” he said.

Munthali recognized the need for relevant stakeholders to implement appropriate safeguards to ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of the children’s data are well managed.

Lilongwe District Council Vice Chairman, Gideon Masache welcomed the suggestion saying it will empower children with mindset and capabilities.

“Intensifying access to digital technologies is crucial. Our children need this, especially for their use to enable them to enjoy their rights to education, health and social protection. We, therefore, advocate for policy measures to equalize the digital split,” he said.

The commemoration took place under the theme ‘The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment.’