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THE education sector should now focus on crafting a curriculum that allows the implementation of programmes that are relevant to the country’s economic turnaround thrust, Deputy Minister for Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development has said.
Speaking during the 35th graduation ceremony of Intake 13 General Course and Intake Four Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers at Marymount Teachers’ College in Mutare last Friday, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Deputy Minister Dr Godfrey Gandawa said there was need to craft appropriate curricula relevant to the Zimbabwean context.
The theme for the graduation ceremony was: “Teacher education for sustainability and global competitiveness.”
“We want a curriculum that allows the implementation of programmes that are locally relevant and culturally appropriate, programmes that are Zimcentric in focus.
“We should take into account our local environmental, economic and social conditions and design our programmes accordingly.
“We thrive to create a future where our people will be able to become employers and owners of the country’s resources. We cannot achieve this if we do not develop an education curriculum that emphasises creativity, versatility and sustainability. I am glad your college is working towards this.
“What I am appealing for are more deliberate efforts to design appropriate curricula, methods and resources for sustainable development. The competent teacher you aim to develop must be sufficiently skilled for sustainability through creativity and innovativeness,” he said.
Dr Gandawa, who was guest of honour during the ceremony, praised Marymount Teachers’ College for initiating programmes that enhance social and economic qualities in graduates.
“I have realised that this college is offering quite a diverse curriculum that does not only promote the intellectual and professional growth of the teacher to be, but also the social and economic qualities of the teacher through subjects like Health and Life Skills, Home Economics, Information Communication Technology, Physical Education and Sport. This is further strengthened through research and projects like piggery, fish-farming, poultry and garment-manufacturing, hence developing entrepreneurial skills in students and staff,’ he said.
In her message to the graduates, Marymount Teachers’ College acting principal Mrs Petty Silitshena implored them to maintain high moral standards when they start executing their duties upon appointment.
Online Reporter