Inaugural national schools pledge recital set for May 3

Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe will join 4.2 million pupils, parents and guardians in the inaugural national schools pledge to be recited in all schools on May 3. The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Lazarus Dokora, said on this day everyone will recite the national schools pledge that motivates them to cherish their Zimbabwean identity, value their heritage and salute the national flag.

“We’re saying on May 3, every parent, guardian must make sure that they accompany their child to school where they’ll recite the national schools pledge.

“We don’t want any child to miss out,” said Minister Dokora. The national schools pledge would be recited in the country’s schools — both public and private — for the first time since independence.

“President Mugabe will also be part of this day, we’ve invited him to this region but we’re yet to name the school where he’ll witness this historic event. “On this day we’re urging every parent to bring their child a small gift, it could be a flower, just something to appreciate them,” said Minister Dokora.

He urged teachers and the entire community to support children who won’t be with their parents or guardians on the day. The pledge is contained in the new curriculum framework adopted by Cabinet on September 22 last year.

Infant pupils will recite the following pledge of allegiance:

“Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies, I salute the national flag, I commit to honesty and dignity of hard work.” Junior and secondary schools pupils will be expected to recite the pledge of allegiance saying:

“Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies, I salute the national flag. United in our diversity by our common desire for freedom, justice and equality. Respecting the brave fathers and mothers who lost lives in the Chimurenga/ Umvukela and national liberation struggles.

“We’re proud inheritors of the richness of our natural resources. We’re proud creators and participants in our vibrant traditions and cultures. We commit to honesty and the dignity of hard work”.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education embarked on a curriculum review in October 2014 and it has since been adopted by Cabinet.