Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
THE Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZ) held a Safe Learning Environment Indaba for students in tertiary education where participants shared issues affecting them so that the Government and its partners can alleviate the challenges.
The indaba, which was held in Harare and brought together several students from various tertiary educational institutions, tackled several issues, the most topical issues were to do with access to medical aids for campus students, cyber bullying and sexual harassment of students at their learning institutions.
Other issues concerned attachments, low salaries for college and university lecturers resulting in lower pass rates, lack of accommodation for students resulting in sextortion for survival, among others.
ECOZ director, Mr Elvis Chitsungo, said they are implementing a project titled “Strengthening Inclusivity in Higher and Tertiary Education Institutions in Zimbabwe”, to tackle some of the issues that are affecting progress in tertiary institutions.
“We recognise the critical role that peer educators play in fostering inclusive learning environments within higher and tertiary education institutions,” he said.
“Through ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education and the Tertiary Education Services Council (TESC), it has become increasingly evident that empowering these educators is essential for addressing the diverse needs of students.”
He said they recently conducted exchange learning visits, which were organised in five clusters—Harare, Gweru, Bulawayo, Masvingo, and Gweru- and one of the significant outcomes was the development of five advocacy papers which will be presented to Parliament, the line ministries, and other Government bodies, highlighting key issues and recommendations for promoting inclusivity in education.
Lupane West Member of Parliament Mxolisi Charles Sibanda said the annual workshop serves as a vital platform for peer educators to share their experiences, challenges, and successes.
“By amplifying their voices, we aim to influence policy discussions and advocate for improved educational practices and policy formulation, ultimately contributing to safer and more inclusive learning environments across institutions,” he said.
“We need inclusive infrastructure development in tertiary institutions that caters for persons with disabilities and the able-bodied ones.
“We need inclusive and universal health insurance and to ensure that mental health issues that are leading to rampant suicide cases, especially amongst the boy child, are addressed timeously.”
Sibanda said there are several girl-child-oriented organisations, while the boy child is neglected.
The programme is being supported by the Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund.
It is a platform for peer educators to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights with Parliament, as well as relevant Government ministries and agencies, particularly the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation Science and Technology Development and the Tertiary Education Services Council, the goal being to advocate for safe learning environments across educational institutions.
