‘Sciences a must in rural schools’

 

“We are meeting to remind each other that sciences in rural schools are a must. We live in a world of science and technology. A competitive world. Schools are urged to offer a full curriculum in sciences at secondary and high school level to enable pupils to enrol at institutions of higher learning such as Nust,” said Ambassador Khaya Moyo, the Zanu-PF National Chairman and non-constituency Senator.

“It is important that today’s child should be computer literate. E-learning has now taken the world by storm and rural schools should embrace this development. Technical and vocational education sustains students in real life.”

He said the Government was aware of the challenges facing schools all over the country and called for stakeholder involvement towards developing and maintaining infrastructure in schools.

Ambassador Khaya Moyo urged communities to take pride in nation building and discouraged youths from rushing to cross the border to other countries.

“Instead of trooping to South Africa and Botswana, parents should encourage their children to pursue their education and acquire professions to help develop Zimbabwe. Crossing the Ramakgwebana and Limpopo Rivers should not be part of any school’s syllabus.

“I encourage the community to ensure that all school going age children must be at school. No child should be out of school because parents cannot afford fees. Such cases must be referred to relevant authorities.”

In his report, the headmaster, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, said lack of infrastructure was one of the major problems affecting the learning process.

He said some pupils were now conducting lessons in the storerooms because of the shortage of classrooms.

“We are one of the oldest schools with the least developed infrastructure. The school lacks basic infrastructure such as classrooms. As a result we now have pupils who are conducting lessons in storerooms where there is poor ventilation,” said Mr Ndlovu.

“Advanced level pupils do not have classrooms. The new block that we are trying to build has not been completed for the past 15 years. The school also does not have a proper library. We also have a shortage of accommodation for our teachers and we need more cottages.”

Tahangana High School was established in 1981 and has an enrolment of 336 pupils, 79 Form Ones, 81 Form Twos, 86 Form Threes, 68 Form Fours and 22 A-levels.

The school is situated in Nguwanyana area about 40km from Plumtree Town along Zimnyama Road.

Mr Ndlovu said the school has a staff complement of 16 teachers but none of them was qualified to teach science subjects.

He said the shortage of qualified science teachers was making it difficult for the school to offer such subjects at A-level and implored the Government to look into the issue. He also expressed concern over the increase in cases of female pupils who have dropped out of school because of pregnancy.

Mr Ndlovu urged the Government to make secondary education compulsory in order to curb the number of pupils who drop out of school after completing Grade Seven.

He said a majority of school dropouts were doing menial jobs as maids or head boys.
The school has already introduced Computer Studies and Mathematics at A-level.

Plans have also been set to introduce Agriculture, Biology, Physical Science and Chemistry.
Last year the school recorded 23 percent pass rate at Ordinary level.