Options for development cooperation in IT education and training: the Zimbabwe case

Abstract

This paper attempts to address the need and justification for a Computer Skills Requirements Model for Zimbabwe as well as the findings and plans following the recently completed Zimbabwe Computer Industry Manpower Survey. It then focuses on the need for development cooperation in the areas of computer education, training, consultancy, research and institutional capacity building. In this regard, jobs and job categories, the education and training systems, equipment and others are discussed as potential areas for rationalisation if the above objective is to be met. The paper also suggests strategies for cooperation such as networking to mutually strengthen the capacities of the key players. It goes further to suggest a need for policies to provide the enabling environment. Central units that advise governments is proposed which acts as a clearing houses and have the mandate to manage, standardise and look outwards to monitor trends and developments in the lnformationTechnology (IT) scenario.