Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The Government has challenged newly qualified teachers to drive Zimbabwe’s industrialisation by embracing digital tools, Artificial Intelligence and innovation in classrooms.
This came out on Thursday during the 14th Madziwa Teachers’ College Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony where at least 432 teachers graduated.
The event ran under the theme: “The Industrialisation of Teacher Education through Innovation and Technology”.
Speaking on behalf of Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Dr Frederick Shava, Permanent Secretary Prof Fanuel Tagwira, said the future of teacher education lay in blended learning, virtual classrooms, AI-driven learning assistants and digital content creation.
“Our goal is to produce teachers who are not merely transmitters of knowledge, but innovators, heritage custodians, researchers and technological leaders capable of driving national development,” he said.
“Zimbabwe’s future depends on educators who move beyond traditional methods to become pioneers of innovation and research-driven practice.
“By embedding digital literacy, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving into teacher education, we lay a firm foundation for industrial growth and national prosperity.
“These educators will inspire resilience, ignite innovation and bridge the gap between our rich cultural heritage and the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world. In doing so, education becomes the heartbeat of industrialisation.”
He also revealed that over 50 percent of the 432 graduands who capped their teacher education journey at Madziwa Teachers College in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
“I am equally encouraged to note that 224 graduands, representing 51,9 percent of this graduating class, are completing STEM programmes,” he said.
“This is a powerful affirmation of the growing importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s innovation, industrialisation and sustainable development agenda.”
Of the 432 graduands, 373 were female and 59 were male. A total of 224, or 51,9 percent, completed STEM programmes.
Prof Tagwira said the gender figures reflected both strength and challenge: “While this reflects the continued strength of female participation in teacher education, it also highlights a gender disparity that requires deliberate intervention.”
Principal of Madziwa Teachers College Mr Eddie Phiri said: “I am exceptionally proud to announce that, true to our college culture of excellence, we achieved a 100 percent pass rate for the class that had 373 females and 59 males to make a total of 432.
“Our results this year make us proud, from the class, 150 students achieved single distinctions, 46 achieved double, 18 achieved triple and 4 achieved quad distinctions. This shows that when we nurture talent and include all, excellence follows.
“To the graduands: go forth not just with a certificate in your hand, but with the name of this college on your character. Be our ambassadors. Go and prove that you are products of excellence.”
Charles Sarari, the overall best graduating student for Diploma in Education Primary – Early Childhood Development (ECD 10), Intake 22, scooped the ZIMDEF prize for four distinctions, a college floating trophy, cash prizes from ZB and CBZ, a laptop from Global Transformers, and other awards for his outstanding performance.
“I am so excited to be named the best student after years of hard work and dedication,” Sarari said.
“To the boys who have just finished their O-Levels and A-Levels, I say: do not be afraid. You can enrol for a teaching diploma and also achieve great results. It is possible, as you can see.”
Chuma Gay Vaidah was among the outstanding graduands.
She received a ZIMDEF cash prize, a hamper from a local wholesaler, a laptop, regalia, among other things.
leeroy