Online Reporter
Judith Phiri and Michelle Musandinyoze, Zimpapers Writers
THE Scholastica Expo 2025 kicked off on a high note in Bulawayo yesterday with learners from different schools and academic institutions showcasing their innovation and research-based knowledge systems that seek to help the country solve its challenges.
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company is hosting the event as the first stand-alone edition in over a decade.
Running under the theme: “Empowering Future Generations Through Heritage-Based Education and Innovation”, the event has attracted over 5 000 participants from across Zimbabwe with close to 50 exhibitors showcasing their products and services.
ZITF Company marketing and corporate communications manager, Mr Thandolwenkosi Nkomo, underscored the significance of the relaunch and expressed satisfaction with the participation on the first day.
“The main reason behind the relaunch has been feedback from main stakeholders who have continuously called for a stand-alone Expo that will give them enough time to thrash out issues surrounding the education sector, career outcomes of students and also how to address the gap that exists between industry and academia,” said Mr Nkomo.
“We have brought together students, educators, professionals and industry stakeholders to be part of this historic moment-where education meets innovation and opportunities take flight.
“Positioning Scholastica as a stand-alone expo signals our commitment to advancing education and career development opportunities. We are excited about the turn out we witnessed on the first day.”
With over 5 000 participants, Mr Nkomo said they aimed to create an unparalleled platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation.
He said Scholastica Expo will be a go-to event for students, professionals, educators, innovators, development agencies, businesses, recruiters and everyone with an interest in the education sector.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between industry and academia and facilitate the production of a future-ready and relevant workforce for the country,” said Mr Nkomo.
He said the stand-alone edition will ensure the right people interact with the student market, rather than being a side event held on the sideline of the premier trade showcase, ZITF.
Students are also showcasing unique innovations at the expo that promises to tackle real-world challenges in line with Education 5.0, which seeks to drive national development through innovation and industrialisation.
Students from Gweru Polytechnic showcased a mobile solar compressor that uses solar energy to pump air into tires and spray painting. The innovation uses solar as an alternative source of power, substituting the use of electricity.
A 25-year-old student from Gweru Polytechnic, Miss Aaliyah Ndeyesai said: “When the President is calling for innovation, our school has responded by developing solutions that utilise alternative sources of energy.
“The solar compressor, unlike conventional electric ones, uses solar energy to inflate tires and spray paint, making it a unique solution.”
She said the innovation has enabled the tertiary institution to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, complementing Government efforts to empower young students.
Other institutions are also making significant contributions with Henry Murray School for the Deaf having developed an alternative braille system, clocks and calculators using material such as wood and sand.
“Due to the unstable economy, purchasing braille materials and other learning material has become expensive.
“Our institution has taken the initiative to have our Grade Seven students manufacture an alternative braille system among other innovations,” said the institution’s teacher in charge, Mrs Beatrice Sithole.
Gwanda State University is exhibiting multipurpose materials, including a chair that doubles as an ironing board.
The institution’s sales and marketing officer, Mr Cassian Rukasha, said they were thriving to be practical in everything they do and support students in fostering innovation.
“We are committed to helping young people reach their full potential by allowing them to turn their ideas into practical solutions that address problems being faced in today’s world,” she said.
During one of the high school student’s conference, life coach and business consultant, Ms Marilynn Magaso emphasised the importance of self-awareness in leadership and personal growth.
“Students must believe in their capabilities and develop emotional intelligence to achieve their goals. To be a great leader, one must know themselves first and they must know how to manage their emotions, as well as being emotionally intelligent in order to lead others so that they succeed in their personal endeavours,” she said.
On spotlight at the Expo will be the main conference and official opening on today (Thursday) with a keynote address from the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Ambassador Frederick Shava.
The first day programme featured a conference for high school students, while the one for university students is slated for today. The programmes will include career talks, workshops, seminars and mock interviews.
The ZITF Company is known for its role in facilitating trade fairs and exhibitions in Zimbabwe with a commitment to promoting education and professional development.
