Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT is expanding school infrastructure, modernising learning environments and improving access to teaching and learning materials, with greater emphasis on digital skills, industrial competencies and innovation to prepare learners for life beyond examinations, President Mnangagwa has said.
The Second Republic, said the President, was also transforming vocational training centres and youth service institutions into centres of excellence to equip young people with practical skills required to boost productivity across key sectors of the economy.
He made the remarks yesterday at the Parliament Building in Mt Hampden while delivering the keynote address at the 34th Junior Parliament Session, which also coincided with the commemoration of the Day of the African Child.
“I note your concerns on access, quality, and relevance of the education you are receiving,” said President Mnangagwa.
“I want to assure you that the education system of our country is evolving, with the heritage and competency-based model forming the bedrock of our national development.
“Government is expanding school infrastructure, modernising learning environments, and improving access to teaching and educational materials. Greater emphasis is being placed on digital and industrial skills as well as innovation, so that all children are prepared for ‘life beyond examinations’ in an ever-evolving world.”
The President expressed satisfaction with the innovations and inventions exhibited by learners during the recently held Zimbabwe International Research Symposium.
He said they were consistent with the Government’s quest to ensure that learners can create and develop products and services which impact day-to-day lives and the economy as a whole.
“Under the Second Republic, we recognise that education does not end in the formal primary and secondary classrooms,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa receives a portrait of himself and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa from Delight Chigwada (right) of Glendale at the official opening of the 34th Child Parliament in Mt Hampden yesterday as Vice President Kembo Mohadi and Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire look on. – Picture: Joseph Manditswara.
“We are, therefore, transforming Vocational Training Centres and Youth Service institutions into modern centres of excellence, where practical and relevant skills are nurtured towards enhancing productivity across all sectors.
“To date, these institutions have trained young people in agriculture, ICT, construction, manufacturing and other critical areas of our economy.”
President Mnangagwa said Government remains focused on initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, particularly for young people.
“My Administration is seized with the important questions related to jobs, livelihoods and economic inclusion. Youth empowerment policies, entrepreneurship support programmes, incubation initiatives and market linkages are laying the foundation for a resourceful generation of innovators, industrialists and job creators,” he said.
Government is implementing several economic initiatives, including improving access to finance for young entrepreneurs and businesses, added the President.
“We are strengthening access to finance, encouraging youth-friendly funding products, and creating avenues for enterprise development across both urban and rural communities.
“No one and no place will be left behind. Technology and innovation are equally central to our ongoing national transformation.
“We are accelerating the expansion of digital access and increasing innovation hubs in our learning institutions so that our young people can participate in the digital economy.
“In line with the Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda, we are also paying special attention to rural communities. A modern Zimbabwe must be one in which all children, in every ward, district and province, have access to similar opportunities,” said President Mnangagwa.
He then implored youths to remain disciplined and guard against drug and substance abuse.
“Discipline, health and the well-being of our people are essential as we build and transform our nation. I am pleased that you, our children, are extremely concerned about drug and substance abuse.
“This is a serious challenge that we must confront together. I call upon parents and guardians, primarily, to create safe spaces within the home environment. “Let us ensure that our children grow up in stable family atmospheres, where they feel happy, loved, understood and supported. We all have a duty to teach our children all-embracing cultural values of respect, honour, tolerance and compassion for others,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said it was important for children to understand and appreciate their history and cultural heritage, not only at the national level, but also their respective family history.
“Let us not deprive them of their right to our rich cultural heritage. A people without a history are like trees without roots,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We all have a duty to put in place the necessary foundational blocks that will guarantee a strong national character, in perpetuity.”
The President challenged members of the Junior Parliament to be responsible leaders, noting that they represent millions of children and young people across Zimbabwe.
“I challenge you to be aware that leadership is not an entitlement. It is in the manner you serve, respect and honour others as well as the choices you make and the discipline you demonstrate,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also conveyed his condolences following the passing of former child parliamentarian, Ms Kimberly Mwanza.
He said her contributions to the Junior Parliament and broader youth empowerment agenda inspired many of her peers, in the Junior Parliament, as well as in the community from which she came.
The President also congratulated Child President Tinashe Mugodhi on his election and the address he delivered, which he described as thoughtful and articulate.
The event was attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, development partners and diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, among others.
