PED calls for utilisation of heritage institutions as learning resources

Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
MANICALAND Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza, has emphasised the vital role of museums in Zimbabwe’s education system, calling for increased utilisation of heritage institutions as learning resources.
He made the remarks during a familiarisation tour of Mutare Museum, accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Mr Gabaza highlighted Government’s commitment to anchoring education on a Heritage-based Curriculum, which is designed to succeed the Competence-based Curriculum.
This shift aligns with the broader national vision of preserving and integrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage into learning processes.
He commended the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe for their proactive role in supporting education through their Heritage Education Services Department.
NMMZ Eastern Region Director, Dr Paul Mupira elaborated on the institution’s efforts to align its programmes with the new Heritage-based Curriculum.
“As NMMZ, we run several programmes which are in sync with the new curriculum, such as the National Heritage Quiz Competition, Heritage Education Outreach Programmes, and, in previous years, the Schools Adopt-a-Site Programme,” he said.
The Schools Adopt-a-Site initiative encouraged schools to integrate heritage sites within their localities into their educational frameworks. Notable examples include St Dominic’s High School adopting Utopia House Museum and Matereke Primary School in Buhera adopting Kagumbudzi National Monument. Such initiatives ensure that learners gain practical exposure to history and heritage, reinforcing classroom learning with tangible experiences.
Mr Gabaza underscored the importance of these programmes, stating: “The tour we had at the museum opened our eyes to the vast educational resources Mutare Museum possesses. This is in line with the aims of the new curriculum and the ministry’s vision of an education system anchored on its country’s heritage.”
He further encouraged NMMZ to expand its services to secondary schools and explore the possibility of introducing a Heritage Quiz Competition at that level. Additionally, he praised the Heritage Education Outreach Programmes, which seek to reach all learners across the province, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s vision of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Zimbabwe’s approach to integrating heritage into education is not unique. Countries like China have demonstrated the success of embedding cultural heritage within their educational frameworks.
In China, heritage education is a key component of the curriculum, with students regularly visiting historical sites, museums and cultural centres. The country has leveraged its vast history to instil a sense of national identity and pride among young learners.
Similarly, countries such as France and Egypt have incorporated museum-based learning extensively, ensuring that learners interact with historical artefacts as part of their education.
These approaches have fostered a deeper appreciation of history and culture among learners, which Zimbabwe seeks to replicate through its Heritage-based Curriculum.
As part of these efforts, Manicaland Province is set to host the National Heritage Quiz Finals in May. MoPSE officials have urged schools in the province to begin preparations to ensure a strong representation.
This competition serves as a key platform for students to deepen their understanding of Zimbabwe’s history, traditions, and heritage.
The visit to Mutare Museum by the provincial education leadership underscores the growing recognition of museums as crucial pillars of Zimbabwe’s evolving education system.
By anchoring learning on heritage, Zimbabwe is ensuring that future generations remain deeply connected to their cultural roots while acquiring knowledge that enhances national identity and unity.