Story by Tamuka Charakupa
LEARNERS, government officials and education stakeholders gathered in Chinhoyi on Tuesday to mark the International Day of Education, applauding the Second Republic’s Heritage-Based Education initiative as a catalyst for inclusive and innovation-driven learning.
Held under the theme “Power of Youths in Co-Creating Education,” the commemorations highlighted the growing shift towards practical, skills-based education aligned with national development goals.
Kuwadzana High School in Banket drew attention with a three-in-one innovation comprising a Smart Irrigation System, Smart Fumigator and a small refilling system designed to support farmers.
“We developed this three-way integrated system to provide practical solutions to challenges faced by farmers in our communities. The Smart Irrigation System helps conserve water through efficient distribution, the Smart Fumigator improves crop protection with controlled application, and the small refilling system ensures easy and safe replenishment of inputs. Through Heritage-Based Education, we are being encouraged to innovate using locally available resources to solve real problems. This project shows that as learners, we are not just acquiring theory in the classroom, but applying knowledge to drive agricultural productivity and contribute meaningfully to national development,” said Form Six innovator at Kuwadzana High School, Mr Taropafadzwa Fembere.
Child President Lionel Mazarire commended the reforms.
“As we mark the International Day of Education, we commend the Government for implementing Heritage-Based Education, which ensures inclusive learning for all children. This model strengthens our identity, promotes innovation, and equips us with practical skills for national development. As learners, we are proud to be part of an education system that prepares us to build a self-reliant and prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.
Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening teacher capacity and institutionalising innovation across schools.
Deputy Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Angeline Gata, called for structured platforms to scale innovations.
“We call upon our partners, stakeholders and Government as a whole to treat this innovation with the magnitude it deserves… Strengthening teacher capacity in innovation facilitation is critical. Our educators must be empowered not only to deliver content, but to nurture creativity, problem-solving and enterprise development… The key is alignment, not suppression,” she said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, said provincial leadership was committed to creating an enabling environment through infrastructure investment, digital literacy and partnerships.
“The partnerships we see here today… are the backbone of this mission. They are a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal: inclusive, quality, and relevant education for every child in Mashonaland West and in Zimbabwe,” she said.
The commemorations underscored the role of young people in shaping an education system that is practical, innovative and responsive to national priorities.
