Online Reporter
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) have made a significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s education sector, particularly in supporting the implementation of Education 5.0, which aims to promote innovation, industrialisation and skills-based learning in higher education institutions.
This was said by Mutare Teachers College Principal, Mr Abison Mutubuki, during a media tour of the college’s Komoyo Baobab Juice Manufacturing Plant, which was launched by President Mnangagwa last year.
Mr Mutubuki said the plant has brought tangible economic benefits to surrounding communities while serving as a key training ground for practical education.
“Since we began operations after the official launch last year, we’ve experienced a smooth supply of raw materials,” he said.
“We source our baobab fruit mainly from Chiadzwa, Birchenough and parts of Buhera, which means people in those areas are now directly benefiting from this initiative.”
He said the expertise brought by the JOCV volunteers has greatly enhanced the college’s capacity to align with Education 5.0 objectives.
“These volunteers come from a country with a strong tradition of industrialisation and automation,” he said.
“They constantly advise us on areas where we can improve, and their input is making a significant impact on our skills-based education model.”
One of the Japanese volunteers, Mr Taiga Koshihara, said his focus has been on strengthening the business side of the Komoyo project.
“I now have four months in this country and I’m happy to be working here.
“My area of specialty is business development and I am assisting at the Komoyo plant with strategies that improves visibility of our products,” he said.
