Story by Providence Maraneli
THE Second Republic’s Heritage-Based Education programme continues to attract private sector investment, with Matabeleland South recording significant progress in the development of modern learning infrastructure.
Alongside Government investments through the Devolution Fund and Constituency Development Fund (CDF), as well as support from development partners and mining companies under corporate social responsibility initiatives, private investors are expanding access to quality education.
In Gwanda, private investors are constructing modern infant schools to complement Government efforts to improve access to quality early childhood education and modern learning facilities.
A survey of infant schools in the town revealed increased investment in digital learning, with learners acquiring practical technology skills from an early age.
Grade Three learner Chamaka Daniel demonstrated one of the school’s programming projects.
“My friend and I created a game called Ping Pong using the Scratch programming language. We have also created games like Catch the Bus and Surprise Animation,” he said.
Another learner showcased computer applications used in class.
“Today I will show you how to use Excel. Excel is used for calculations, and we also use computers for PowerPoint presentations and Microsoft Word,” the pupil said.
A fellow learner added:
“We can use computers to do anything, and it is exciting.”
Teacher Ms Tinotenda Mpereri said learners are embracing practical, technology-based education.
“There is massive transformation. If you look at this air conditioner that was designed by a Grade Three learner, it tells you where we are going as a nation. We are proud of how learners are adapting to the demands of the 21st century,” she said.
Kiddo Adventures Principal Mrs Musawenkosi Sibanda said the school is aligning its curriculum with Government’s Heritage-Based Education model by exposing learners to a wide range of practical skills.
“We have introduced career choices such as driving, swimming and computer programming from ECD level so that we can nurture identified talent. This is in line with Government’s Heritage-Based Education model,” she said.
Meanwhile, Government is constructing 40 computer and science laboratories in Matabeleland South as part of the 46th Independence legacy projects, further strengthening digital learning and practical education across the province.
