tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S education sector has received a major boost, after the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) launched a US$48,8 million grant for primary and secondary learners in Harare on Thursday.
The grant is aimed at improving marginalised groups’ access to quality education.
Speaking at the launch of the grant, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said:
“This launch is a major drive for education funding, grounded in the new reality, strengthened by our common narrative (in the GPE Compact document) and emboldened by the knowledge that any effort towards improving education is an effort towards achieving all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We assure you that these funds will definitely reach the intended beneficiaries and be put to good and perfect use.”
The grant will be implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) and other implementing partners.
United Kingdom ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Peter Vowles said the funding is in support of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“This is in support of the Government’s NDS1, that is, towards its contribution through motivated and capable teachers working with right materials in the best possible buildings,” he said.
Canada ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Adler Aristilde said:
“Through the GPE, we are proud to partner with donor countries and agencies in Zimbabwe and support the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in ensuring that the most vulnerable and marginalised children have access to quality education and learning, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.”
Unicef acting country representative Mr Daouda Diop urged Government to continue investing in the education sector through partnering international organisations.
“We call upon Government to continue to increase domestic spending on education, progressively providing basic state-funded education.
“We firmly believe in building partnerships. The Global partnership for education is one of the best examples of partnerships between partners from various backgrounds,” said Mr Diop.
The US$48,8 million grant will cover a three-year period, 2023 to 2026.
The funding includes, the System Transformation Grant (US$24,8 million) and the Girls Education Accelerator (US$ 12,4 million), the System Capacity Grant (US$2,9 million), the Programme Development Grant (US$0, 2 million) and the Multiplier Funding (US$8,6 million).
Online Reporter