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Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
THE Education 5.0 model continues to bear fruits with at least 13 schools having formed their own companies as the nation moves towards achieving an upper middle income economy by 2030.
As more schools start to articulate President Mnangagwa’s call for technological advancement, others are venturing into value addition such as coffee, organic pig feed and biogas making.
Wascus Pvt Ltd of Marist Nyanga High is currently producing an organic eco-friendly pig grower made from monkey bread (Masekesa or Mutukutu) while Queen Elizabeth High School managed to register Diapo Pvt Ltd which is currently producing biodegradable diapers.
The innovations are being spearheaded by the Government, through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in collaboration with non-governmental organisations such as Emergination Africa and other development partners.
Lavish Biogas of Oriel Boys High School is currently making biogas using kitchen waste and Ballenious Pvt Ltd of Northlea High School is making baobab juice and baobab coffee.
Emergination Africa, with the assistance of ZB Bank and Delotte in conjunction with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education have been hosting annual national business case competitions to empower pupils through business skills and opportunities since 2018, in line with a competence-based curriculum.
The annually held competitions give schools an opportunity to secure a remarkable US$5000 seed capital for their learners’ ventures and they also receive global and local mentorship and assistance to register their companies.
“The competitions aim to impact 2 million learners by the year 2027 that will create 360 micro ventures. This will be achieved through our competition, where high school learners are afforded a unique opportunity to generate employment prospects before they even set foot in the job market,” Emergination Africa said in a statement.
Emergination Africa urged schools to participate in this year’s competition.
“Let us forge a path together towards a future where our youth embody the qualities of risk-taking, agility, innovation, and the courage to transform their aspirations into tangible achievements.”
To date, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Emergination Africa has developed 13 budding ventures under its wing birthed out of the NBCC and these are:
Beneficiaries of the previous competitions are already viable with Aggrabit Investments of Nashville High School making fertiliser using rabbit urine, while Afrilephant of Milton High School is making organic fruit cereals.
Pured Pvt Ltd of Mzingwane High School is making tomato powder, Food Wealth Grain Shellers of Hippo Valley High School invented a small grains shelling machine while Caenda Cycles of Westridge High School invented an electric bike.
Easy Source of St Dominics invented a health application system and Peasea Brands of Nyatsime High School is making avocado coffee.
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