Story by Courage Bushe
THE integration of productive agricultural projects into learning at Dadaya Youth Service Centre in Zvishavane District is enhancing skills development, food security and institutional sustainability, as the centre advances the government’s heritage-based Education 5.0 model.
The institution has established thriving fish farming and piggery projects that are generating income for the centre while also benefiting surrounding communities, positioning Dadaya as a practical example of how education can be directly linked to production and rural development.
The projects are aligned with the Second Republic’s Rural Development 8.0 thrust and form part of a broader agricultural revolution being promoted across the country.
“The programme aligns with schools’ commitment to Education 5.0 and environmental conservation. By implementing sustainable practices such as efficient water use and responsible wastewater management, schools are instilling a sense of responsibility in learners,” officials said.
Students at the centre say the hands-on approach has equipped them with practical skills they can apply beyond the classroom.
“We are delighted to be part of this crop of students because we have acquired the needed skills from this institution, and we are going to translate these skills in real life and transform our communities.
“We have learnt a lot from here, and we are expecting to learn more in terms of hands-on projects. We want to thank our government for introducing this model of learning, so we are very glad,” the students said.
Dadaya Youth Service Centre Head, Mr Handisen Kadzuraimire, said the projects have expanded opportunities for learners while strengthening the institution’s financial base.
“The programme aims to take aquaculture as a business not only providing fingerlings for schools but also incorporating training for capacity building for all fish farmers within the aquaculture sector. Also, at the piggery project we have managed to sell to our local community and this has improved the school’s income. We are also working with local communities,” he said.
Through the implementation of Education 5.0, Dadaya Youth Service Centre has emerged as an agricultural hub, offering a model that other schools and communities in the district can emulate as Zimbabwe strengthens heritage-based and production-oriented education.
