Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE introduction of Heritage-Based Education, which emphasises a hands-on approach by integrating local cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and readily available natural resources into the learning process, has significantly improved learning at St Charles Primary School in Sanyati.
The Second Republic launched Heritage-Based Education with the primary goal of producing skilled and innovative citizens.
The initiative aims to equip individuals to contribute to their nation’s economy and culture by applying their knowledge to create relevant goods and services, thus fostering national development and a sense of patriotic citizenship.
St Charles Primary School has thrived under this educational model, particularly after receiving three pigs, donated by the Member of Parliament for Sanyati, Dr Polite Kambamura, in 2023.
Following the donation, the school transformed the piggery project into a successful venture that has positively impacted the entire educational facility.
The school’s deputy head, Mr Kumbirai Manika, stated in a recent interview with Zimpapers that the project has been very beneficial to the institution.
“We are implementing Heritage-Based Education here, and this has led to the transformation of the school,” he said.
“Our legislator, Cde Kambamura, donated four pigs to us in 2023, although one unfortunately died. We introduced our students to the project and this learning model has benefited not only the students but the entire school.”
The profits from the piggery project have been used to construct a 12-hole ablution facility and purchase various ICT gadgets.
“The proceeds have allowed us to build an ablution facility and buy a printer along with other equipment. This is in addition to supporting other income-generating projects at the school,” Mr Manika added.
The school also has a successful poultry project. However, the lack of adequate water supply has hampered their horticultural efforts.
“We urgently need a solar-powered borehole so that our horticulture project can generate more funds for us,” he also said.
Dr Kambamura assured that the school would soon receive a solar-powered borehole.
“We are encouraging schools to become self-sufficient. As a local legislator, I donated piglets to several schools in my area as starter packs,” he said.
“These are the kinds of results we are seeing here. Our President wants us to contribute to building this nation, and that can only happen if everyone, including future generations, has a role to play.”
Dr Kambamura is also expected to donate chicks to some schools as part of ongoing empowerment efforts, while complementing the government’s initiative to introduce Heritage-Based Education in schools.
Additionally, in a separate interview with Zimpapers at St. Mark’s High School in Mhondoro, Mr Chris Mhike, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, challenged schools to implement income-generating projects for sustainability, thus alleviating the financial burden on parents.
The Heritage-Based Education curriculum promotes creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving by aligning education with the local environment, aiming to build a more self-reliant and prosperous society.
