‘Shift from language mastery to practical skills in schools’

Vusumuzi Dube in Maphisa

“Angifuni likhulume isikhiwa kuphela, kodwa libekwazi ukulungisa imitshina yokulimisa lokusebenzisa ema factory yalezinsuku.”

With that pointed remark, President Mnangagwa yesterday underscored the need for a decisive shift towards a forward looking education system grounded in science, innovation and practical skills, as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to modernise its economy.

The President was speaking at the annual Pre-Independence Day Children’s Party held at Mahetshe Primary School in Maphisa, Matobo District.

He challenged learners and educators to move beyond conventional academic benchmarks and embrace an education model that produces problem solvers and innovators, stressing that Zimbabwe’s future depends on the country’s ability to convert education into production.

President Mnangagwa said the ongoing implementation of the Heritage Based Curriculum seeks to deepen learners’ understanding of Zimbabwe’s history, resources and future trajectory, while equipping them with critical skills relevant to a rapidly changing global environment.

“I don’t want you to merely speak good English,” said President Mnangagwa, emphasising the need for an education system that prioritises science, innovation and critical thinking so that learners can create goods and services and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Reinforcing his message in vernacular languages, the President said education must empower learners to design, operate and repair modern machinery used in agriculture and industry, rather than focusing solely on language proficiency.

“I challenge those in the education sector to think outside the box to deliberately ignite passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, among our children. Scaling up investments in STEM, is to guarantee national economic sovereignty in a globalised and technologically driven world, where knowledge is the primary currency.

“To date, I am pleased that a number of science laboratories across our country, including here, in Matabeleland South Province, have been constructed and equipped. The programme, is ongoing. Going forward, more must be done within primary and secondary schools, to encourage innovations,” said President Mnangagwa.

He further called on school authorities to deliberately expose learners to industry based and science oriented institutions, noting that children across the country must acquire a practical appreciation of how the economy functions.

“I challenge, educators to continuously re-skill and upskill in line with modern educational techniques. In doing so, a balance must be achieved between our rich cultural heritage and new technologies centred around Artificial Intelligence.

“I expect teachers to be in the forefront of setting up extra curricula activities, competitions and fairs to promote robotics, science, innovations and inventions, among other aspects, right from the primary school levels.

“On its part, the Government is creating a pipeline for talent development that begins in the classroom and results in high-level innovation, research and development, that dovetails with our national needs as well as the global knowledge economy,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President revealed that he will soon commission and hand over laptops to schools across Matabeleland South Province as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide. He said increased internet connectivity being rolled out by the Second Republic is already enabling schools in remote areas to access a wider range of learning resources.

“Overall, the ‘Internet of Things’, which is now at the finger-tips of our learners should help to expand the horizons of learners, in line with the fast-changing local demands and global environment.

“Parents and educators, have a duty to guide and protect children from the ills associated with access to the internet. I want to remind you, our children that Zimbabweans are a hard-working people. Asifuni amavila/hatidi usimbe. We want children that work and help with duties at home, in the communities and at school.

“In this respect, it is my expectation that learners will work hard and learn as much as they can from the Agriculture Business Units that have been set up in various schools throughout the country, including here, at Mahetshe.”

President Mnangagwa said at national level, Government has secured arrangements to ensure that School Based Agriculture Business Units, alongside Village Business Units, not only support local consumption but also contribute to exports.

“School heads are, therefore, directed to coordinate the productivity and sustainability of these entities. Meanwhile, the construction of classroom blocks and modern teachers’ houses at Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools, reflect my Government’s commitment to quality infrastructure for educators and learners alike regardless of where the schools are located. We shall continue to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, towards the realisation of equitable social services and development,” he said.