Located in Ward 4 of Hwedza District, Tongogara Secondary School had long struggled with outdated resources and limited access to modern education tools. For years, students relied on old textbooks, and teachers found it difficult to keep up with an evolving digital world. But everything changed when the SOS Children’s Villages Family Strengthening Program (SOSCVFSP) stepped in to transform the school into a hub of digital learning.

In 2024, SOSCVFSP recognized the school’s potential and provided it with a much-needed technological boost. A fully equipped ICT hub was introduced, complete with ten desktop computers, a laptop, a printer, and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi. However, the real game-changer was the installation of a 5kVA solar system, consisting of ten solar panels, ensuring that the school had access to a reliable power supply. Seventeen students from Form 1 to Form 4 also received school fees support, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial worries.

Before this intervention, Zimbabwe’s push to make Computer Science a practical subject had left rural schools like Tongogara Secondary School struggling. Without electricity or adequate resources, the school had found it impossible to offer ICT lessons effectively. Even the teachers were unfamiliar with the technology. To bridge this gap, SOSCVFSP trained teachers, equipping them with the knowledge to introduce students to the digital world.

For many students, the transformation was nothing short of a revelation. One student shared their excitement, explaining how they had never used a computer before but could now type, navigate the internet, and use different software. The headmistress of the school expressed her gratitude, emphasizing that the introduction of solar power had ensured they could use their computers without worrying about power outages.

The impact of this initiative was not confined to the students alone. The presence of the ICT hub attracted more parents to enrol their children at Tongogara, boosting the school’s enrolment numbers. Beyond that, the local community also benefited. People could now access the internet, stay connected with their loved ones, and even market their produce online. Seeing this positive change, the school is now looking to take things further by empowering vulnerable youth who had not previously had access to education, providing them with digital marketing skills and new opportunities.

The transformation of Tongogara Secondary School is more than just an upgrade in technology—it is a testament to the power of education, community support, and the belief that every child deserves access to modern learning tools. With technology at their fingertips, students and the wider community are stepping into a world of new opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future.