Rural Teachers Deliver Free Online Lessons to Over 20,000 Learners

Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected] FROM a small classroom in Bulilima, a township school in Chitungwiza and a mission school in Goromonzi, three teachers have quietly sparked a digital learning revolution, offering free online lessons that now reach more than 20 000 learners across the country. What began as a desperate response to Covid-19 school closures has grown into a lifeline for children who cannot afford paid extra lessons, especially those in remote and disadvantaged areas. The trio — Shamiso Mukwedeya (31) of Huwana Primary School in Matabeleland South, Clemence Muzenda (41) of Zengeza 1 High School in Chitungwiza and Fortunes Chihota (36) of Visitation-Makumbi High School in Domboshava, Mashonaland East — use everyday digital platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok to turn smartphones into classrooms. Their virtual lessons cover English, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Shona at primary level, while secondary school learners benefit from Geography, Business Studies and Entrepreneurship lessons. Mukwedeya said her experience as a rural teacher inspired her to start the initiative after realising that many learners in remote areas lack access to libraries, internet facilities and extra lessons. “Teaching online gives learners freedom. Some children struggle to understand concepts in a traditional classroom but open up online,” she said. “I make my lessons entertaining because edutainment keeps learners engaged. What excites me most is that I reach learners beyond my classroom and even beyond my district.” Chihota, an indigenous languages teacher, said she never imagined the initiative would grow to reach thousands of learners nationwide. “My passion has always been to promote Zimbabwean culture and protect indigenous languages. It gives me pride to know that I am helping thousands of learners learn indigenous languages for free and appreciate who they are,” she said. Chihota stressed that the lessons are not profit-driven, adding that sessions are conducted in the evenings and on weekends to avoid disrupting normal school hours. Muzenda said the digital classroom has created a safe and relaxed space for learners who are often overlooked. “Some learners hardly speak in a classroom, but online they engage freely. We realised that most extra lessons require payment and still follow the same classroom format,” he said. “Our approach is different — it’s interactive, entertaining and accessible to everyone. We believe technology can help bridge educational gaps, especially for rural learners, proving that passion and innovation can transform education beyond the classroom.