Parliamentary ICT Committee Raises Concerns Over Limited Wi-Fi Coverage at Ongongo Primary School
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has raised concerns over limited Wi-Fi coverage at Ongongo Primary School in the Opuwo Rural Constituency, saying the school’s seven-year free internet service is not being fully utilised due to poor network coverage and a lack of ICT equipment.
The concerns were raised during an oversight visit to the school, where committee members questioned why the free Wi-Fi only reaches a small section of the school despite the institution’s relatively small size.
Committee members said the current situation defeats the purpose of providing free internet to schools, as only a few learners and teachers are able to benefit from the service. They stressed that the network should cover the entire school to support effective teaching, learning and access to digital resources.
The committee also urged the service provider to assess the school’s connectivity and improve the network so that all classrooms and learning spaces have access to the internet.
In addition to improving connectivity, the committee encouraged the school to seek partnerships with businesses, the regional council and other stakeholders to acquire more computers and other ICT equipment.
Members noted that several schools have successfully mobilised support from the private sector to strengthen digital learning.
The committee further highlighted the importance of extending internet access to teachers’ houses located within the school vicinity, saying this would allow educators to prepare lessons, conduct research and access online learning materials outside classroom hours.
Teachers were also encouraged to strengthen their digital skills and embrace online learning platforms to improve the quality of education.
The committee further wanted to know what initiatives the school had already undertaken to secure additional ICT resources. Members asked whether the school had approached the constituency office, regional council or relevant government programmes for support in expanding its ICT infrastructure.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Communication Technology emphasised that improving digital infrastructure in rural schools remains essential to ensuring that learners receive quality education and are equipped with the technological skills needed for the future.
