Story by Providence Maraneli
STUDENTS at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic in Gwanda are excited about the construction of a Home Economics complex which is set to enhance the implementation of the Education 5.0 model.
The polytechnic is renowned for producing quality teachers, but the Division of Technical Education has churned out more than 3 000 graduates who need further training to meet the demands of the industry.
However, the construction of the Home Economics Complex, which ironically coincides with the implementation of the Education 5.0 model, has brought excitement among students who believe it will be a game changer in the industrialisation of the country.
For Marvellous Shumba, a Fashion and Textile student, the development spells the transformation of the institution.
‘‘This is an opportunity for us as students here at JMN Polytechnic. It is going fine-tune us into students ready for industry and also ready to form our own consortiums. For me, this is a game changer. The heavy-duty machinery that will be in this complex will make me be able to use computer-aided designs and it is in tandem with Education 5.0. We will fit into our communities that we come from.’’
Another student said, “This world now needs creative people. I think this is very important. This initiative gives young people opportunities. It gives us an opportunity to put their ideas into reality which is the order of the modern world and will help the economy.’’
Another noted, ‘‘From what I understand, this complex will also be open for former students and the skills that we will get here are stills that will help the industry. You know, back in the day someone would just learn theory and when it comes to practicals, it would be difficult. As students, we are so happy.’’
With the complex set to house Food and Nutrition, Fashion and Fabrics, Home Economics and Home Management courses, the government has allocated ZW$60 million for the procurement of machinery.
Joshua Nkomo Polytechnic principal l, Dr Ngoni Moyo said, ‘‘As you know, we are moving away from the theoretical education model to the practical-oriented Education 5.0 model and coincidentally, we have this industrial hub that is going to help the institution implement this model. We are going to have state-of-the-art equipment in the complex. We are going to have a lot of practical subjects in this complex. We thank the government.”
The Second Republic has been channelling funds towards improving infrastructure at higher and tertiary institutions, with the National University of Science and Technology student accommodation complex complete, while the Gwanda State University mining laboratory block is nearing completion.
