‘Psychomotor ministry was long overdue’

Zvifadzo Lubombo Herald Reporter
A Government official has applauded President Mugabe for introducing the Psychomotor ministry saying this body of knowledge will enhance skills development and proficiency in industrial tasks among students in the country.Arts, Sports and Culture Deputy Minister Tabeth Kanengoni-Malinga said the introduction of psychomotor skills development in schools and tertiary institutions demonstrated President Mugabe’s commitment to national human capacity development.

She said this at a prize giving ceremony at Girls High School in Harare. “I would like to commend the President for establishing the Ministry of State for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education in his office,” she said. “All stakeholders and specialists must support this effort which aims to enhance skills and competencies among our students.”

Psychomotor learning involves the acquisition of job-related skills and competencies which are critical for one’s survival. Deputy Minister Kanengoni-Malinga said psychomotor skills were critical in many fields that included mining, particularly in the digging, selection and processing of germs, alluvial gold and rough diamonds.

Educationists say those occupations where participants must engage in physical activity or routinely employ finely tuned hand-eye co-ordination, training in proper psychomotor skill technique was an essential element of initial employment. They also say mental practice should be utilised to enhance physical training regimens, to learn complex psychomotor job skills, bolster self awareness or efficacy and help students to focus thinking on complex problems.

The portfolio, which is expected to operationalise the Nziramasanga Commission Report on Education and Training, was brought under the President’s Office to provide for the expected curriculum changes which will touch three ministries — Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Primary and Secondary Education, and Sports, Arts and Culture .

President Mugabe said practical subjects, had been neglected for some time denying pupils basic life skills.