Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MASHONALAND West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, has called on schools across the province to adopt the country’s heritage-based education model, stating that it is the compass that must guide Zimbabwe’s future generations toward excellence, unity, and national development.
She made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing educators, learners, community leaders and district officials during the Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe (BSPZ) provincial meeting held at Tafira Primary School in Zvimba, where schools gathered to celebrate excellence and share innovations in teaching and learning.
Minister Chombo said that Zimbabwe’s values, culture and identity should form the backbone of its education system.
“Our heritage is a chest of accumulated wisdom of generations, rooted in integrity, compassion for the vulnerable, courage to innovate while honouring tradition, and respect for human dignity,” she said.
“These are the principles we weave into our schools so that no child is left behind and every learner becomes an integral part of society.”
The minister emphasised that the heritage-based curriculum, introduced under the Second Republic to align learning with community values, national aspirations and practical life skills, was designed to produce “complete citizens” rather than examination-focused learners.
She said the approach was designed to build a legacy that outlives the present generation and prepares children to meaningfully contribute to national development.
“Our legacy is not just memory, it is a living contract with the future. Education must produce a person who fits perfectly in society and contributes to development and empowerment,” she added.
She commended the Zvimba District for its strides in promoting education and lifelong learning, saying its investment in talent development, learner support and equitable access reflected the national vision of transforming education into a tool for empowerment and inclusivity.
The ceremony brought together top-performing learners, outstanding teachers and innovative schools, a moment used to honour hard work and perseverance within the education sector.
The director of Finance, Human Resources and Administration in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Ernest Jonga, urged teachers to continue serving with patriotism as the nation works toward attaining Vision 2030, which aims to make Zimbabwe an upper-middle-income economy.
The meeting, which drew stakeholders from all seven districts of Mashonaland West, also showcased school projects, performances, and innovations aligned with the national curriculum framework.
This year’s BSPZ provincial celebrations ran under the theme, “Our Heritage, Our Legacy for an Inspired Future.”
