Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE’s strategic establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Primary and Secondary Education has attracted significant praise from African academics attending the Third Africa Education Summit in Victoria Falls.
The establishment of a standalone ministry has been instrumental in the transformation of the sector, starting from early childhood development.
This focused approach has positioned Zimbabwe as a benchmark, renowned for its high literacy levels.
These achievements are now being further strengthened by the heritage-based curriculum and the Education 5.0 framework at tertiary level, whose emphasis is on innovation, industrialisation, and modernisation.
Delegates participating in the Third Africa Education Summit are convinced that Zimbabwe’s education reforms offer a valuable model that should be considered and potentially replicated across the African continent.
“The bedrock of any educational development starts from the primary and secondary sub-sector, and the government of Zimbabwe has done it very well by designating a minister that is responsible for primary and secondary education. That is the key primary area where every government or every country that wants to get it right must start. Once the foundation is right, the tertiary level will be okay,” president of Nigeria Union of Teachers Cde Audu Titus Amba said.
The summit also highlighted the importance of innovation within schools as a particularly noteworthy area for the continent to pursue.
Zimbabwe attributes its success in the education sector to the unwavering dedication of the country’s leadership.
“President Mnangagwa continues to champion various initiatives such as refurbishment and construction of new schools to make schools comfortable while also prioritising teacher training. The Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) has also played a pivotal role in ensuring that no students fail to attend school because of non-payment of school fees. This has also increased enrolment in schools, especially for the girl child,” Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga said.
The three-day Summit has brought together education leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders from eleven countries to discuss strategies for improving educational outcomes and fostering global partnerships.
Meanwhile, Tawanda Mhako, who will be attending the Art and Design Fair in Greece, presented a drawn portrait as a token of appreciation to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
