College students turn ideas into reality with Education 5.0 model

THE Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model implemented by the Second Republic has significantly transformed the lives of former Gweru Polytechnic College students as it has empowered them to establish innovative companies that tackle pressing societal issues.

The Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model emphasises the integration of heritage, innovation and technology in the education system. This model aims to produce graduates who are not only academically competent but also capable of addressing societal needs through practical and innovative solutions.

Through this model, three start-ups have been successfully registered by alumni, with the college’s support.
Additionally, Gweru Polytechnic College has established a thriving clothing factory, providing employment opportunities for graduates and hands-on training for students on attachment, further enhancing their skills.

One of the companies established by college graduates is Auto Savvy and General Solutions, a one-stop shop for mechanical and automotive solutions to vehicles.

Some students have managed to produce an engine-drawn plough and a knapsack sprayer for smallholder farmers, among other innovations.

On Friday, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube had an opportunity to visit the campus and had an appreciation of some of the products that are being produced by current and former Gweru Polytechnic College students.

Director of Auto Savvy and General Solutions, who is a graduate of Gweru Polytechnic College, Mr Charles Gumbu said the company does installations, inspections, maintenance and repairs of all electrical parts of automotive vehicles.

“I am very happy for the opportunity the institution has given us as a team to establish this company which is now our source of living. I’m now the breadwinner for my family and I’m grateful that I didn’t have to look for a job after graduation,” he said.

“I have become an employer. Education 5.0 has truly empowered me, and I’m a living testimony that this model is a game-changer.”

Gweru Polytechnic College student, Miss Mitchell Takachichicha said through the Education 5.0 model, students have been able to make innovations and produce detergents and personal protective clothing.

“The skills we are getting here are indeed life-changing. I am now capable of producing products that I can sell to the market. When we were introduced to the education 5.0 model we thought it was mere rhetoric but today we are indeed enjoying this curriculum which helps us to be hands-on,” she said.

Minister Ncube said production and productivity by current and former students at Gweru Polytechnic College is a clear testimony that the Education 5.0 model is making an impact on society.

“We are fully behind the leadership of His Excellency President Mnangagwa as he leads the industrialisation programme in the province and beyond. I am therefore impressed by the high level of innovation exhibited by Gweru Polytechnic students and lecturers,” he said.

“This resonates with the New Dispensation’s desire to produce entrepreneurs, job creators and graduates that support the national modernisation and industrialisation development trajectory, Sadc industrialisation policy and Africa Agenda 2063.”

Minister Ncube said he was impressed by the implementation of the Education 5.0 model, which dovetails with the country’s National Development Strategy 1.

“This tour is indeed momentous as we showcase the Second Republic’s transformational Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model that turns ideas into tangible products that address national development gaps through teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation as we gravitate towards the attainment of an upper middle-income society earlier than 2030 under the able and visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa,” he said.