Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
With propelling industrialisation high on the agenda, the government is on a drive to increase technical high schools after a pilot project in which a technical high school was introduced in each province last year.
The move is meant to ensure learners can respond to challenges facing industry and commerce upon completing high school.
Speaking at the relaunch of the Schools Merit Awards last held in 2021, Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Moses Mhike said there has been an increase in technical high schools and a database is being compiled for release next year.
“We have relaunched the schools merit awards which had not been done since 2021. At provincial level, two schools are chosen. We also launched a number of projects being done by the school in line with the heritage-based curriculum where we are going to be developing a two-path way process, where kids are going to be exposed to technical vocational education as well as those that can excel in academic excellence. I was impressed by projects being run in schools that won the awards. Every school should be running a project so that they can generate income,” he said.
Six schools received the Secretary’s Merit Award, with revelations Chipindura Technical High School has now partnered with HEXCO to examine learners to ensure they are qualified for industrial jobs after completing high school.
Mr Simon Mhanimhanzi, Chipindura High School Headmaster noted, “We are very happy to receive the highest accolade in our ministry as Chipindura Technical High School. We are pushing all our technical subjects to reach A’ level. Offering them at A’ Level is a great advantage to those who want to reach industry straight. We are also going to assist the community by enabling them to come to learn different skills, for example in metal fabrication, software engineering, computer science, home management and not forgetting woodwork.”
The Second Republic is promoting innovation through university innovation hubs, vocational training centres and technical high schools to churn out graduates who can solve societal and industrial problems.
