Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo, Zimpapers Writer
THE Second Republic is driving the creation of a knowledge-driven economy, rooted in innovation, industrialisation and modernisation in pursuit of Vision 2030 of an empowered upper-middle income society, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his address at the ED-UNZA Golf Prize Giving and Fundraising Dinner held at State House in Harare last night where about US$644 000 was raised, the President said education was an important pillar in the country’s current economic growth and development trajectory.
The ED-UNZA Scholarship Fund has since built a reserve of US$2 million, with a view to reaching a target of 100 students each year and a reserve of US$10 million by next year.
The Scholarship commemorates the President’s days at the University of Zambia (UNZA) where he pursued his law studies after a long spell in prison before Zimbabwe’s independence.
“Education is critically important and its impact extends beyond the success of individuals, to multiple aspects of life, from economic growth to social development, and the advancement of science and technology,” he said.
“It is with this background that our country has always recognised education as a powerful tool to lift families out of poverty while cultivating a skilled workforce to drive Zimbabwe’s growth.
“Since the adoption of Heritage-Based Education 5.0 under the Second Republic, we are determined to leverage our education to accelerate modernisation and industrialisation as well as enhance our country’s competitiveness globally.”
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his personal commitment to addressing socio-economic challenges that hinder access to education in the country.
It is in this spirit that the ED-UNZA Scholarship Fund was established, he said.
The ED-UNZA Scholarship Golf Day and Fundraising Dinner, which are becoming annual events, are some of the programmes being undertaken to help raise resources towards creating equal opportunities for vulnerable children across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces and beyond.
“Through you our partners, beneficiaries are enabled to realise access to tertiary education.
“To date, the ED-UNZA Scholarship Fund has grown remarkably, from modest beginnings and is now worth over a million US dollars.
“This achievement would not have been possible without he generous support of all stakeholders some of whom are present today,” he said.
The values of unity, love, patriotism, service and hard-honest work, said the President, were critical to the realisation of Vision 2030.
He then called upon all Zimbabweans, including the private sector, community leaders, civil society organisations and the Church, to play their part in investing in the future of children.
“Our rich cultural heritage, steeped community, Ubuntu/Hunhu and helping those in need, should remain part of our DNA as Zimbabweans and Africans.
“The philosophy, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo’, should always be our beacon.
“I am confident that with your continued support, dedication and commitment, we shall realise our collective dream of building a stronger, smarter and more prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.
Zimbabweans should be empowered, self-reliant and globally competitive, added the President.
The President’s signed golf set was auctioned in aid of ED-UNZA beneficiaries and it went for US$50 000, while his signed putter went for US$15 000.
President Mnangagwa’ signed soccer ball was also auctioned for US$40 000.
In his remarks to introduce the President, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Frederick Shava said President Mnangagwa was a passionate leader.
“Many of us have gone through the compassionate hands and mind of our guest of honour and it is not surprising that he initiated the ED-UNZA Scholarship programme,” he said.
Chairman of the Scholarship Board of Trustees Mr Herbert Nkala said the ED-UNZA scholarships were aimed at uplifting the lives of the under-privileged.
“These are young people, many of whom dream of careers in law, science The ED-UNZA makes them a reality,” he said.
