Story by Aifheli Mudau
AT least 15 primary schools in Beitbridge District have received TshiVenda textbooks as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to improve education in rural communities.
The initiative, which includes schools such as Lesanthe Primary, is part of broader efforts to promote indigenous languages and enhance comprehension among learners by teaching in their mother tongue.
Parents and guardians have welcomed the development, highlighting its positive impact on academic performance.
“For me, it is really an interesting move that was done by government because when children get textbooks written in their mother tongue, it really helps them to grasp what they are learning in class,” a parent said.
“Now it is easy for children to pass because they now read and write using their mother tongue, and we really appreciate the government and its partners for coming on board,” a guardian added.
Local leadership said the distribution of textbooks will significantly improve the quality of education in rural schools.
Educational Engagement Manager at Bubye Valley Conservancy, Mr Collette Sayi emphasised the importance of investing in communities.
“We need to invest in communities so that they realise the importance and value of wildlife,” he said.
Mbofhololo Muleya noted a marked improvement in pass rates since the adoption of TshiVenda as a medium of instruction.
“Since learners from this district started using their mother tongue, which is Tshivenda, as a district, we are now competing fairly with districts within our province because the pass rate has significantly increased,” he said.
ZANU PF Women’s League Secretary for Education, Matabeleland South province, Miss Sibongile Chauke said the textbooks will also assist teachers in delivering lessons more effectively.
“This issue of textbooks is really a good move, especially for our children. This will then assist the teachers also when delivering their lessons because learners will be using or reading textbooks written in their mother tongue,” she said.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe reaffirmed government’s commitment to education as a key pillar of development.
“As a government, we have placed education at the centre of national development. Our commitment is clearly outlined in Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030. For us to achieve this vision, we must invest in the education of young people because they are our future,” he said.
The distribution of TshiVenda textbooks comes as the government implements a phased approach towards achieving universal access to free education by 2030.
