Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has commended the Ezekiel Guti Group of Schools for embracing inclusive education and ensuring learners with different needs are incorporated into the learning process.
Speaking during the first exhibition of ZAOGA Forward in Faith schools and colleges over the weekend, District Schools Inspector Mr Solomon Mafukidze, representing the District Schools Inspector, said the group’s approach was consistent with the principle of leaving no learner behind.
Mr Mafukidze said he had observed learners with visual, speech and therapy-related challenges participating in school activities.
“I have actually seen that Ezekiel Guti Group of Schools is doing very well in as far as the addressing of heritage-based curriculum is concerned because it appears it caters for all the learners,” he said.
He said the approach demonstrated that schools were not only focusing on learners without learning challenges.
“I have been to an extent where I saw learners with some challenges, visual challenges, speech and therapy challenges, but this has been well shown by the learners that the teachers have chances to actually address the issue of leaving no one behind, meaning to say all the learners are being involved,” Mr Mafukidze said.
He said the approach was important across the education system, from early childhood development to tertiary education.
Mr Mafukidze’s comments came as ZAOGA Forward in Faith showcased its schools and colleges at an exhibition aimed at allowing parents and guardians to learn more about the institutions and the work being done by learners.
Advocate Lindone Nkomo, chairman of the Apex Board overseeing the running of ZAOGA Forward in Faith schools and colleges, said the exhibition was the first of its kind for the church.
“Today we are gathered here to witness the first of its kind in our church. This is the first time we are doing this, an exhibition of all our schools that are currently in existence,” he said.
Adv Nkomo said the exhibition was intended to showcase learners’ academic work, creativity and innovation, while also allowing parents to engage schools over enrolment and programmes.
He said the group was also placing increasing emphasis on technology in education, including robotics, artificial intelligence and digital learning platforms.
“Our schools and colleges must embrace technology and use technology to the maximum as a resource,” Adv Nkomo said.
However, he said learners should be taught to use technology responsibly to protect their values and character.
“Technology has both positives and negatives. But we want them to embrace the positives that are being brought into our lives by technology,” he said.
Adv Nkomo said every school within the group should embrace emerging technologies so that learners leave school equipped to engage with industry and academia.
“Every school inside ZAOGA group of schools and colleges must embrace technology—robotics, artificial intelligence, all kinds of learning platforms,” he said.
The exhibition brought together ZAOGA schools and colleges, covering primary and secondary education as well as vocational training.
Adv Nkomo said the initiative was also part of preserving the vision of the late Apostle Ezekiel Guti, who he said left schools as an inheritance for future generations.
“Our father left us an inheritance of schools. He didn’t leave us with cars or buses. A bus or a car can be involved in an accident and that’s it. But schools are generational,” he said.
He said the ministry was therefore being used to extend the work of building lives across generations.
The exhibition comes as Zimbabwe’s education sector continues to place emphasis on inclusive learning, practical skills and the responsible adoption of technology in schools.
