Econet launches platform for free education websites

Published: 05 March 2014

Mobile telecommunications company Econet Wireless on Tuesday launched a platform that provides free access to over 50 educational websites.

The company, which has invested millions in support of education programmes including scholarships and bursaries, said the latest initiative called Econet Zero, was part of the EcoSchool programme launched at the end of January.

Access to the free websites is, however, strictly through Econet Wireless sim cards. Econet Services chief executive Darlington Mandivenga said the programme was aimed at improving access by Zimbabwean students to free but up to date information on a range of subjects.

"What we are doing is not only a first in the mobile industry in Zimbabwe, in Africa, it is a first in the mobile industry in the world," he said. "Econet Zero is free education. We are giving students, educators and anybody who is interested in learning, access to free education."

The subjects offered are for young children at kindergarten up to university level with the subjects ranging from language, numbers, mathematics, research, and music.

Mandivenga said the programme offered access to "affordable and reliable education of world standard."

Access to hard copy textbooks in the country has remained a major challenge though the government with the assistance of donors has greatly improved the situation.

But while textbooks have the disadvantage of expiring, Econet Zero offers latest up to date information on subjects of choice as well as links to a number of free training courses for some disciplines.

- New Ziana

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