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ZIMBABWE’S coveted status as the country with the highest literacy levels in Africa is in danger if the results of last year’s public examinations are anything to go by.
Ever since the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council released the results of the 2013 Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the issue. In some communities there has been an outcry over the results because of the poor performance by the candidates with Matabeleland North being a case in point. Today we carry a story based on an analysis of the O-level results in Matabeleland North and it is all gloom.
According to the provincial education director, Boithatelo Mnguni, 15 secondary schools recorded a zero percent pass rate, a very worrying development indeed.
Mnguni said the province recorded an overall pass rate of 19 percent up from 16, 45 percent in 2012 against the national pass rate of 20,72 percent.
Results show that four schools from Lupane district, five from Tsholotsho, five from Binga and one from Bubi recorded zero percent pass rates. From the 15 schools, the five from Binga are satellite schools while the rest are rural district schools.
With such shocking results, we wonder what is happening at schools in Matabeleland North. Are the poor results an indication that there is lack of interest by parents in providing adequate support to their children or there is no teaching taking place at all?
We also wonder whether there is lack of motivation on the part of teachers or the communities they are working in or the pupils included do not value education at all.
It is against this background that we call upon the authorities to get to the bottom of such a shameful development and rectify the problem. If the schools are poorly equipped then that problem should be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The education officers should also be on the ground monitoring the teachers and the heads. The education officers should not assume that because there are teachers then learning is taking place. The supervision of teachers at schools should not be done because it is a requirement but should be taken seriously. Otherwise it would be an exercise in futility.
We also call upon the government to come up with a special assessment of how schools in the country are performing and the results of such an exercise made public.
It is also crucial for the political leadership in Matabeleland North to take the issue of education seriously. The politicians should play an active role in addressing the poor results at the schools. They should not standby and fold their arms and let this sad and deplorable state of affairs continue. Children are the future of the country and they should be equipped with the requisite skills to drive the country forward.
The poor performance of these youngsters has a crucial bearing on the country’s future as we now live in a global competitive village. As a nation we should put our heads under the same thinking cap and find a remedy to this national challenge as it is not only for Matabeleland North but has ramifications beyond the borders of this rich province.
Without education the nation is lost. The late South African president, Nelson Mandela, underscored the importance of education when he said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
derick.khumalo