Story by Cordelia Ngara
GOVERNMENT has launched a public awareness programme to educate stakeholders in the education sector on the Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (CALA) components.
After the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education embarked on a two-day curriculum review consultation exercise across the country last week, it emerged that the bone of contention is on the competence-based curriculum’s CALA element.
Most parents and guardians were not too keen on the highly demanding CALA, imploring the government to adjust some of the components.
It is with this burning issue in mind that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has embarked on an awareness programme on CALA as part of the curriculum review process.
“We managed to get the feedback from parents and stakeholders, we did notice that there was a misunderstanding on CALA and therefore we saw the need to start a robust initiative so that parents fully understand what the CALA is all about and fortunately it has coincided with the global action week for education. So we have localised this programme by using it to make parents aware of what it entails to have the CALA,” said Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Director Communications and Advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro.
Learners are required to submit three CALA components per learning area, starting a year before the final examination, to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a subject.
The demanding components have seen some parents taking the burden on behalf of their children, but the government is keen on ensuring that students are up to the task.
“We urge parents and guardians to desist from doing the CALA for children because this constitutes 30% of the exam and if you’re doing the CALAs for children then literally you’re writing their exams. Even teachers should desist from writing this work for children. You’re not doing any good, it will just prevent the child from getting fully equipped,” he added.
The curriculum review process is held after every seven years to ensure the country’s education system is in line with emerging trends in the sector.
