adminProsper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
THE Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Matabeleland North Cde Cain Mathema has challenged Members of the National Assembly and Senators to work closely with schools in their constituencies to improve the pass rate. Addressing heads of Government departments during the provincial development committee meeting in Bulawayo on Monday, Cde Mathema expressed concern over the low pass rate in Matabeleland North.
He said politicians have a responsibility to play a leading role in improving the performance of pupils.
“We are concerned about the performance of our pupils in public examinations and I ask myself – what have the politicians from Mat North done to improve the situation?” said Cde Mathema.
“As politicians we have to find ways of encouraging pupil to work hard while at the same time working with school authorities to improve facilities at schools in order to attract and retain qualified teachers.
“Let us work towards ensuring that all schools have piped water. The same must be done at our clinics and business centres. This will not only attract qualified staff but enhance improved health standards.”
Cde Mathema’s remarks come at a time when there is concern that Lupane State University (LSU) is enrolling very few students from the province.
LSU has a bias on agriculture studies and for students to qualify to enrol with the institution, they should pass Science and Mathematics at A level.
The participants during the meeting also underscored the need to ensure that the bulk of students enrolled at the university were from Matabeleland North schools.
There have been reports that some schools in the province record zero percent passes at Grade Seven while some pupils proceed to Ordinary Level when they could not read and write.
A majority of schools in the province are run by temporary teachers as qualified teachers shun some of the schools due to poor infrastructure.
Online Reporter