Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
MATABELELAND South has surpassed 90 percent of its target for deploying science teachers, marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and bridge the gap between rural and urban schools.
The province has deployed 1 440 science teachers against a target of 1 500, while tertiary institutions have enrolled 17 336 students out of a projected 18 012.
Presenting the science, technology, innovation and human capital development subcommittee report during a recent Matabeleland South Provincial Development Committee meeting, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic lecturer Mr Richard Moyo said the progress reflects Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality science education.
“In secondary and tertiary education, we recorded significant improvement in STEM subjects following the deployment of 1 440 science teachers against a target of 1 500. Our universities and colleges have enrolled 17 336 students out of a target of 18 012,” he said.
Mr Moyo said that despite the progress, the province still faces infrastructure challenges that could hinder further expansion of STEM education.
“We need to construct more staff accommodation, increase student accommodation, expand enrolment in tertiary institutions, build more classroom blocks and laboratories, and adequately furnish the laboratories,” he said.
As part of efforts to improve access to science education, Government is constructing 41 science laboratories across Matabeleland South, with a particular focus on rural secondary schools where STEM facilities have traditionally been limited.
The laboratories are expected to improve practical science teaching and enable more learners from rural schools to qualify for STEM programmes at universities and colleges within the province and across the country.
Speaking at the same meeting, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, urged local authorities, businesses, development partners and communities to complement Government’s investment in science infrastructure.
“The Government under the Second Republic is making significant strides in establishing science laboratories in rural schools. We have 41 legacy laboratories under construction across the province and they are expected to be completed by the end of the year. This project is fully funded by Government,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe called on stakeholders to mobilise additional resources to strengthen the education sector.
“Government has made it clear that Zimbabwe is open for business. We have Zimbabweans in the diaspora, the private sector and local communities. If we all pool our resources, we can transform our education system,” he said.
The minister urged local authorities to utilise part of their devolution funds to construct science laboratories and other educational infrastructure.
Expressing concern that many secondary schools in the province are still not offering STEM subjects, Minister Nguluvhe said expanding access to science education is critical to producing innovative and resourceful graduates capable of driving economic development.
“President Mnangagwa has said, ‘Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,’ meaning the people of Matabeleland South have a responsibility to build and develop their province,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said strengthening science education from secondary school level would create a secure pipeline of students into institutions such as Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic and other universities.
“Future jobs are in science, technology and innovation. It is therefore important to build the necessary infrastructure at grassroots level so that our secondary schools produce learners who can pursue STEM careers and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe also urged stakeholders to prioritise the construction of additional schools across the province to reduce dropout rates and improve learning outcomes.
— @DubeMatutu
