malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
PRIVATE schools have contributed positively to complementing the Government’s efforts to bridge the shortage of primary and secondary schools countrywide, a senior Government official has said.
Currently, the deficit of schools in Zimbabwe stands at over 2 800.
The country is estimated to have about 10 000 schools. Approximately 7 000 are primary learning institutions and 3 000 secondary schools.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail ahead of the Champion College International Day to be held in Harare today, Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary Mr Moses Mhike said the Government was actively encouraging the setting up of more private schools.
“We wholeheartedly encourage the establishment of private schools in Zimbabwe. This initiative is crucial in bridging the significant gap of nearly 3 000 schools in our country.
“We recognise the vital role private schools play in complementing Government efforts to provide quality education to our children,” he said.
Mr Mhike said Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo will be the guest of honour at today’s Champion College International Day to highlight the Government’s acknowledgment of the role played by private schools.
“Private schools offer diverse educational opportunities and innovative teaching methods that contribute to the development of education in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Mhike advised those who set up private schools to ensure full compliance with all the regulations.
Champion College managing director Dr Tendesai Mushamba said today’s Champion College International Day would mark the third anniversary of the formation of the group of schools that his organisation has established around the country.
“As part of addressing the shortage of schools in the country, we are actively expanding our reach by opening new educational institutions across the country in rural areas like Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe and urban areas like Harare,” he said.
“On Sunday (today), we have invited the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education for our celebration, which
will be our third anniversary, to underscore our commitment to improving access to education and aligning with the
Education 5.0 framework,” said Dr Mushamba.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu