Schools boosts Stem education with robotics partnership

LOCAL schools continue to embrace the Education 5.0 heritage-based education framework, with a Zvishavane-based institution partnering with an Indian organisation to promote the uptake of robotics ,among schoolchildren.

The Education 5.0 philosophy and the Heritage-Based Curriculum stress the importance of innovation, industrialisation and commercialisation in education.

These frameworks aim to create a dynamic link between classroom learning and the country’s economic needs, fostering a generation of learners who can transition seamlessly from academia into entrepreneurial and industrial roles.

This approach emphasises the integration of cultural heritage, values and traditional knowledge into the education system.

After winning the National Annual Science, Sport and Arts Festival (Nassaf) competitions last year and coming second at the World Robotics Championship in Egypt in December, Errymaple Group of Schools recently hosted Indian experts, Qurious Mind Infotainment, who specialise in robotics.

This collaboration aims to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) education in the country.

Errymaple Group of Schools’ robotics instructor, Mr Wonder Mangwendeza, said the ground-breaking initiative saw more than 30 teachers being equipped with technical and practical skills in robotics.

“The seminar highlights the depth to which the competence-based curriculum is being implemented in schools and demonstrates how schools are acquiring teaching and learning materials. This is a positive development for us as it enhances the skills and knowledge of our teachers,” he said.

Mr Mangwendeza explained that robotics are crucial in developing problem-solving skills, encouraging critical thinking, analysis, creativity, and preparing students for future careers.

Qurious Mind Infotainment director, Mr Yogesh Kerkar, said the initiative aims to foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

“This is a valuable initiative for Zimbabwe’s education sector and the technology field. It is a testament to Zimbabwe’s commitment to empowering and equipping teachers with future-ready skills. By integrating robotics into the education system, we are preparing youths for global opportunities in technology and innovation,” he said.

Mr Kerkar added that his organisation is a leading robotics education provider in India, empowering students from all backgrounds with quality training and do-it-yourself (DIY) robotics kits to innovate and build a tech-driven future.