The Polytechnic Principal Nancy Chitera told Zodiak that over 700 needy students are struggling to access online classes as a result.

On Thursday the University launched a gadget campaign in a drive to rescue the needy students.

“Three reasons why we are on this campaign; first, with the pandemic in our midst we do not want to close the institution because we do not know when the pandemic is going to subside.

“We want to continue with whatever we planned to deliver to our students.  

“We have moved to Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning (ERTL). We need gadgets; be it a laptop, tablet or a good phone besides we need bundles as well,” she said.

Benedicto Nkhoma, the University alumnus currently working with NBS Bank as Chief of Treasury and Global Markets, told Zodiak Online that he felt duty bound to be part of the campaign.

“I have been a student here. I graduated in 1995. I know some of the students cannot afford the gadgets, for me it was very touching to be part of this initiative.”

“I have engaged my colleagues to support the campaign and they have assured me of their commitment towards the campaign,” said Nkhoma.

He donated K500, 000 as seed money towards the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of needy students in the campaign, Mathew Phiri, has hailed the initiative saying it will make a difference.

Mathew, who is pursuing Bachelor of Energy Engineering year 4, said access to online lessons will no longer be a hassle having received a tablet through the campaign.

“It was very difficult for me to attend classes due to the problem of gadgets; my education will be easy. I will be able to attend classes just like my colleagues who have gadgets,” said Mathew.

Covid-19 pandemic has been forcing most of the learning institutions in the country to go online.