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“There is need to equip learners with knowledge skills and values that guarantee economic growth and increased opportunities for employment creation, well-rounded citizens who are relevant nationally and competitive globally.” This was part of a speech by President Mugabe as he launched the Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programme.
The programme is meant to promote the uptake of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects by pupils and is being promoted through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development. Industrialists and economists have argued that sustainable socio-economic transformation can be driven by investing in STEM disciplines and the study of STEM subjects will result in the industrialisation of the economy and will also create employment.
In an effort to accrue the benefits that are associated with STEM, Government sought to promote this noble idea that will empower Zimbabweans to become globally competitive. Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo announced that free education will be offered to all pupils in public and mission schools who will register for science subjects when they enroll for Advanced Level this year.
And last week, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Deputy Minister Godfrey Gandawa said they were wrapping up enrolment since most schools were already over-subscribed. He however, said those who wish to join the programme should do so immediately, as they were making a last call.
About $1 million has been paid so far for over 4 000 pupils who registered for Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics at Advanced Level this year, a huge number by any stretch of imagination. We note the hard work done by the Ministry to publicise the programme and making sure that the Government “walks the talk” in far as STEM is concerned.
On the same note, we encourage pupils who have not joined the STEM initiative to grab the opportunity with both hands. Parents and guardians should also play an active role in enlightening those who qualify for the enrolment to take up the offer, as STEM disciplines are the future. There is no reason why people should be taking long to register, as students that are registering for Advanced Level science subjects at public schools are going to get a free education with government, through the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) taking care of their full school and boarding fees. The STEM initiative was driven by the need for science and technology skills in various facets of the economy, something that Government has highlighted in its Zim- Asset Economic Plan.
Moreover, countries the world over have come to accept that STEM skills are increasingly necessary to engage in a knowledge-based economy. Industrialists and economists say there is solid evidence to suggest that the fastest-growing and highest-wage jobs in future years will be in STEM fields and all employees will need to utilise STEM skills for problem solving in a wide range of industries.
The STEM project will make sure that Zimbabwean youths are equipped with the skills and experiences that will prepare them to be leaders in the country’s economy and diverse, complex society. Industrialists believe “a STEM-literate student is not only an innovator and critical thinker, but is able to make meaningful connections between school, community, work and global issues.”
Online Reporter