Chronicle Editor
Locadia Mavhudzi, Midlands Correspondent
THE Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development has launched a programme aimed at strengthening the foundation of the education system through the Smart Tablet Early Learning Assessment (STELA)
Tool, which was developed in 2019 as a digitised on-the-spot reference tool for early childhood development learning.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira, during the trainer-of-trainers session underway in Gweru, Professor Norman Takaedza stated that the programme was designed to help teachers track and monitor children’s readiness milestones in the ECD B class.
“This tool was developed through a research and development approach, involving desk research in reputable ECD journals to identify current trends. It also included input from parents from diverse contexts, such as rural farm and urban communities, as well as the Mkoba Teachers College ECD department,” he said.
Professor Tagwira added that the STELA tool aligns with the aspirations of the Government of Zimbabwe to improve the quality of formal learning experiences and modernisation in primary schools, as well as the innovation agenda under Heritage-Based Education 5.0.
“This tool is a response to National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which focuses on promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the use of technology as a home-grown solution for Zimbabwe,” he said.
One of the key contributors to the development of the new learning assessment tool, Professor Chipo Dyanda, highlighted that early childhood development learning focuses on the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development of children, which is critical for shaping and preparing their future.
“The early years of a child are the most formative, and it is during this period that the foundation for lifelong learning must be laid. By focusing on the preparation of pre-service teachers, we are investing in the development of a skilled and dedicated workforce that will nurture, educate, and inspire our young children,” said Professor Dyanda.
The acting dean of education at the University of Zimbabwe, Professor Victor Mugari, noted that technological advancements in teacher education are crucial to ensuring a systemic and seamless transfer of knowledge.
“Higher and tertiary education institutions must become the primary producers and conceptualisers of cutting-edge digital knowledge,” he said.
The STELA tool is currently being implemented in six countries across Africa, with Zimbabwe leading the way in formalising pre-education through mandatory ECD A and B learning. All teacher training colleges in Zimbabwe will be inducted into the practical use of the Smart Tablet Early Learning Assessment for further training with ECD students.
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