adminRecently, the Government ratified the Sadc protocol on Open Distance Learning (ODL) that seeks to come up with a policy for equitable access to life-long learning for all Zimbabweans by providing appropriate programmes.
Emcoz executive director Mr John Mufukare said at their development workshop in Hwange last week, the private sector through the National Manpower Advisory Council expressed concern that the policy should improve on the national human capital base.
Due to economic meltdown, over the past decade, Zimbabwe has recorded massive brain drain as professionals left the country for greener pastures.
As efforts are also being made to improve Zimbabwe’s economy, stakeholders have also cited the need to address the skills gap in line with the rate of economic development.
“The policy, as formulated, empowers every citizen who wants to learn, promoting life-long learning which business has always advocated for as the preferred labour market response to employment challenges in the economy.
“A draft of the policy will soon be available at Emcoz and will be posted on the website as part of wider stakeholder consultations. Members are urged to be on the look-out for it and make necessary input,” he said.
“Business looks forward to benefiting from the implementation of the policy in three ways; in participating in the building and equipment of necessary new infrastructure, in participating in the development of the new programmes and employing the outcomes of the programme.”
He said there was a serious productivity challenge in the country’s economy at large adding that the national policy on delivery of learning and training material through ODL offered the most cost effective way of addressing production constraints through improved human resource base.
“Emcoz commends this policy to its members,” he said.
Online Reporter