Story by Fungai Jachi
TEACHERS for ED leaders are undergoing training on effective business management to enhance their contribution to both school development and the broader national economy.
As the education sector continues to evolve beyond academics, equipping teachers with entrepreneurial and business skills has become essential in unlocking the full potential of school-based enterprises and promoting sustainable development within the education value chain.
Officials from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), among others, were on hand to educate participants on the proper procedures to follow when establishing and managing businesses.
This comes as several schools are under scrutiny for flouting procurement procedures and misappropriation of funds.
“We were having several schools that were in trouble for failing to run their businesses. We know that even the teachers are being empowered, and most are failing to follow the right procedures when they want to provide goods and services to their schools,” National Chairperson Teachers for ED, Mr Ropafadzo Matemavi said.
“As the ZAAC lately we have been investigating a number of schools and mostly because there were complaints of misuse of funds, hence the need to raise awareness so that there is no corruption in the teaching value chain,” Manager Public Education ZACC, Mr Munyaradzi Magiga said.
“We were having a challenge in most schools because of improper ways of running businesses. I am sure now it is going to change because of this initiative,” Provincial Educational Director Harare, Mr Jorum Mupunza said.
Participants noted the gaps that are there in the way they conduct business.
“It is critical that we understand these things because we had no clue as to how we should run these businesses so that they benefit everyone. Indeed, ZACC and PRAZ have been flagging most of our businesses,” National Chairperson School Development Committees, Mr Tarirai Samambwa said.
“We are really appreciative of this opportunity because we are going to do our business properly to the benefit of the schools and the country,” School Head, Mrs Mary Gwati said.
Empowerment of schools through business units and teachers. Empowerment through the Presidential Empowerment Programme is set to improve the education value chain as the Second Republic moves to empower all sectors.
