Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
LUPANE State University is hosting a ground-breaking international conference that has brought together educators, researchers and policymakers to explore innovative strategies for enhancing rural education and fostering sustainable development in Zimbabwe and beyond.
The conference, which started yesterday and will end tomorrow, is running under the theme “Transforming Rural Learning Ecologies for Sustainable Development.”
The three-day event will see deliberations delving into critical themes such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, the effectiveness of school-based nutrition programmes and collaborative research challenges in higher education.
Notable presentations included “Integrating AI in Education: A Pathway to Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe” by Mr Allen Ngwenya of Bulawayo Polytechnic and “Navigating Collaborative Research: Challenges and Perceptions of Supervisors and Students” by Mr Zamani Mazea from the Zimbabwe Open University.
According to LSU, there will also be parallel sessions addressing diverse topics, from early childhood education to entrepreneurship in rural learning spaces.
Dr Hazel Mubango from the Women’s University in Africa is today set to present on “Transforming Rural Learning Spaces: The Role of Entrepreneurship Education,” while Dr Thembe Nyoni of Baobab Educational Assessment Centre will explore literacy skills and learning difficulties in junior primary learners.
The afternoon plenary session, chaired by Dr Themba Nyoni, will focus on teacher education and curriculum development for sustainable rural development, with insights from Dr Wilfred Mazani of Midlands State University.
Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, responsible for social services Dr Paul Damasane, who is the guest of honour, will deliver his presentation before the morning plenary session led by Prof A Makola, which will set the tone for discussions on decolonising education and integrating indigenous knowledge systems.
Parallel sessions will cover topics such as green trans-disciplinary curricula, ethics in digital education, and the role of school-based agricultural projects in rural development.
Presentations like “Reclaiming Indigenous Knowledge Systems: A Pathway to a Decolonised Curriculum” by Precious Mkandawire and Dr Cletus Ndlovu will highlight the importance of cultural relevance in education.
The afternoon sessions on Day Two will address climate change in school curricula, heritage-based education, and community-driven approaches to education financing.
Dr Chris Ndlovu of Lupane State University will present “The King’s Granary: A Community-Driven Approach to Education Financing,” while Mangizvo Remigios from Zimbabwe Open University will examine the absence of climate change topics in secondary school geography curricula.
The final day will focus on technology-enhanced learning, gender-responsive education, and the role of social media in teacher training.
Presentations such as “Technology-Enhanced and Gender-Responsive Mathematics Education” by Mrs Sipho Sibanda of Solusi University and “Harnessing Social Media Platforms for Education” by Dr Alice Dhliwayo will underscore the transformative potential of digital tools in rural education.
With over 50 presentations spanning three days, the conference is set to be a landmark event in addressing the challenges and opportunities of rural education.
By promoting dialogue on AI, indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices, Lupane State University aims to pave the way for a more equitable and resilient educational landscape in Zimbabwe.
