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Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
THE Government has invited private players willing to invest in the education sector to come on board and present plans for building 3 000 more schools to accommodate the rising demand for education.
President Mnangagwa directed the building of additional schools to ensure quality learning for all children and the Government is now assessing areas which should be prioritised with such investments.
A list of requirements has been drawn up for those willing to invest in the private sector.
The invitation of private players is in line with the National Development Strategy 1 which seeks private sector participation in socio-economic growth.
Churches already have a strong foothold in the sector after building several facilities over the decades.
At the turn of the millennium, there was huge investment in private schools with some doing well while others will be ordered to improve their services to align with best international practices.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema said Zimbabwe needs to build 3 000 new schools to accommodate the growing numbers of primary and secondary education pupils.
Government has been clear that it wants to establish a quality education delivery system and to bring amenities closer to communities.
More schools are also required in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic which now requires classes to be broken into smaller groups.
“We are inviting churches, trusts and private players to come on board and build new schools. Our target is to have 3 000 new schools.
“We do not want a situation where learners are crowded in a classroom or they walk long distances like 5 kilometres going to school, hence the need to build more schools.
“Every child has the right to go to school and they must not be denied by lack of schools that is why we are going for this huge investment,” he said.
“The President directed that more schools should be built. After our assessments, we realised that we need 3 000 more schools across the country.
“It is however, important to note that even if we are inviting private players to build schools, we are not going to compromise on the quality and standard of our schools. The requirements and expectations are there and that should be met,” said Minister Mathema.
The need for more schools has been laid bare by the Covid-19 pandemic which compels schools to observe social distancing to avoid a spike in virus infections.
Face to face classes resumed with examination classes this week in compliance with Covid-19 mitigatory measures.
After assessments to monitor adherence, Government said it was encouraged by the innovations at most schools where there were efforts to utilise spaces already at the institutions for classes.
The spaces being used include halls, common rooms and other rooms set aside for extra curriculum activities.
Minister Mathema said schools should run viable entities through the commercialisation of practical subjects.
“Now the thrust for all public schools should be a double pronged approach that is academic pursuit as well as running viable businesses.
“They should commercialise their practical subjects. For example, all public schools have enough land to venture into commercial agriculture,” he said.
The commercialisation of subjects already being taught in schools is part of a drive to foster economic self-sustenance. Most schools teach practical subjects like agriculture, woodwork, metal work, building and fashion and fabrics.
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