adminLuthando Mapepa
GOVERNMENT has urged schools to build science laboratories in order to benefit from available grants that are intended to promote Science education in the country. Speaking at the official opening of three classroom blocks in Chipinge on Monday, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Lazarus Dokora, said Government was in the process of disbursing funds through the school improvement grants to promote Science subjects.
“Government is urging all schools to build Science laboratories so that they can benefit from the grants. Right now, Government is distributing Science kits to all schools with Science laboratories. There are 37 companies so far that have shown interest to donate towards the construction of laboratories in selected schools in the country,” he said.
Dr Dokora said the new curriculum recommendations would see the parent ministry employing new Science teachers to fill available vacancies.
“Government is saying no to theory teaching, but let us move on to experimental learning in order to equip our pupils with skills in this world of technology. Government has approved that all teachers in Science subjects and technical studies must receive a critical allowances starting this year.
“We are incorporating all teachers including those who left for greener pastures to join us since Government need their expertise and some of the skills they borrowed outside the country. The ministry will visit all districts to popularise the new curriculum,” he said.
Dr Dokora also said the betterment of teachers’ standards of leaving was a priority. “Zimbabwe sets standards the world over. We are not going to improve schools only, but also the welfare of teachers. Teachers deserve rewards because they are not just ordinary citizens, but pillars of the society. The new Education Policy aims at bringing back the teachers’ lost status. Government will ensure that every teacher will have his or her own house,” he added.
Online Reporter