Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI), has launched a five-year strategic blueprint aimed at building a resilient, inclusive and lifelong learning ecosystem that supports Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
The ECOZI strategic plan 2026-2030 was launched under the theme, “Strengthening Voices, Shaping Policies, Transforming Education,” with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to improving access to quality education and ensuring no learner is left behind.
Speaking at the launch, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo described the strategy as an important milestone in Zimbabwe’s education transformation journey.
“I congratulate ECOZI on reaching this important milestone. The unveiling of a strategic plan is more than the launch of a document; it is the articulation of a collective vision, a declaration of intent and a commitment to shaping a better future for our children and our nation,” he said.
Minister Moyo also strongly condemned violence and corporal punishment in schools, saying incidents involving the abuse of learners should be treated as criminal offences.
“I have come across several disheartening videos where school children are headbutted and assaulted by school staff and fellow students. This is pure criminal activity and those responsible should be arrested,” he said.
He said the strategy comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe pursues the vision of becoming an empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030 under the national development mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
The minister noted that education remains central to national development and human capital growth.
“Education is not only a tool for individual advancement; it is the foundation upon which our national development trajectory rests,” said Minister Moyo.
He highlighted the role of the Heritage-Based Curriculum, which seeks to produce learners who are innovators, entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
“The Heritage-Based Curriculum equips learners with competencies that enable them to contribute to national development while remaining grounded in Zimbabwe’s values and heritage,” he said.
Miniuster Moyo said the ECOZI strategy aligns with key national policies and development frameworks, including the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the Heritage-Based Curriculum, the Inclusive Education Policy, digital learning initiatives, climate change education programmes and learner welfare frameworks.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that learners, teachers, parents, communities and marginalised groups actively participate in shaping education policies and outcomes.
“Strengthening voices means ensuring that learners, teachers, parents, communities and marginalised groups have meaningful opportunities to participate in shaping educational outcomes,” he said.
“Shaping policies means grounding our decisions in evidence, research and consultation, while transforming education requires measurable improvements in learning, equity and innovation.”
The Minister acknowledged the growing challenges facing education systems globally, including technological change, artificial intelligence, climate change, economic pressures and evolving labour market demands.
He said addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration among Government, civil society organisations, development partners, schools, communities and families.
“No single institution can respond to these challenges alone. Together, we create the ecosystem necessary for educational transformation,” he said.
Mr Moyo urged civil society organisations to continue supporting vulnerable learners, including children in rural communities, girls, learners with disabilities and teachers, while contributing to policy development and accountability within the education sector.
ECOZI Executive Committee board chairperson, Mrs Lydia Madyirapanze, welcomed the continued partnership between Government and civil society in advancing quality education.
“We are greatly encouraged by the continued openness and leadership of the Ministry in working together with civil society organisations, development partners, communities and other education stakeholders in advancing quality education for all,” she said.
Mrs Madyirapanze said the strategic plan was developed through extensive stakeholder consultations and reflects both the opportunities and challenges facing Zimbabwe’s education sector.
She said ECOZI remains committed to promoting education as a fundamental human right and a catalyst for social transformation, economic development and national progress.
“Our strategy reflects a collective vision and renewed commitment to strengthening advocacy, promoting accountability, amplifying community voices and contributing meaningfully towards transforming education systems in Zimbabwe,” she said.
The strategy is aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2, Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education, Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality, Education Agenda 2030, the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2025-2035) and the aspirations of Africa Agenda 2063.
The launch ceremony also featured entertainment performances by students from Prince Edward School and members of the youth-led organisation Hope of Talents.
Peter Tanyanyiwa