Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Writer
ZIMBABWE has made significant strides in producing qualified Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers, increasing the qualified staff complement to 16 742 last year compared to 11 032 in 2020.
According to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s annual schools census for 2024, 79.74 percent of ECD teachers have received training, marking a significant increase from 67,69 percent in 2020.
The report provides critical information to aid in policy, planning, and decision-making through the Education Management Information System (EMIS) and disseminates this information to various actors and partners.
“Zimbabwe has made notable strides in training its Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers. Currently, 79,74 percent of the country’s 20 997 ECD teachers have received training, marking a significant increase from 67,69 percent in 2020.
“This upward trend has continued annually from 2020 to 2024. In terms of teacher-to-pupil ratios, Zimbabwe’s ECD sector has shown improvement. The current ratios stand at 31 for all teachers and 39 for trained teachers. Although these ratios have decreased annually from 40 and 59 in 2020, they still exceed the recommended ratio of 20,” the report states.
According to the report, Matabeleland North province has the fewest trained ECD teachers, at 939, while Matabeleland South has the lowest number of untrained teachers, at 149. Bulawayo had 1 020 trained ECD teachers and 313 untrained last year.
“Masvingo and Midlands provinces boast the highest numbers of trained ECD teachers, with 2 330 and 2 322 teachers, respectively. On the other hand, Manicaland has the largest share of untrained ECD teachers, with 1 122, followed by Mashonaland Central with 477. In contrast, Matabeleland North has the fewest trained ECD teachers, at 939, while Matabeleland South has the lowest number of untrained teachers,” the report continues.
The report also reveals that rural-based schools boast more teachers compared to their urban counterparts. Rural schools also have more trained ECD teachers, which is expected to lay a good foundation for future learning.
“Rural areas have a larger share of ECD teachers, with 13 672 teachers, compared to 7 325 in urban areas. Furthermore, rural ECD teachers are more likely to be trained, with 83,46 percent holding training, whereas 72,79 percent of urban ECD teachers are trained.
“In terms of demographics, female ECD teachers outnumber their male counterparts across both rural and urban areas, regardless of training status. Notably, rural areas have a higher proportion of trained female ECD teachers, at 82,05 percent, compared to 72,38 percent in urban areas,” the report notes.
The ministry has also revealed that most ECD teachers hold a Diploma or Certificate in Education, making up 63,00 percent of the total, followed by graduates with teaching qualifications, who account for 16,74 percent. The largest chunk of ECD teachers are permanently employed by the Public Service Commission.
“A breakdown of ECD teacher employment reveals that 14 549 teachers are permanently employed by the Public Service Commission, while 30,23 percent (6 347) are employed on a contract basis. Only 0,48 percent (101) of teachers are employed under other types of employment. The majority of these teachers (11 496) hold Diplomas or Certificates in Education, while 2 919 are graduates with teaching qualifications. Notably, only 21 teachers lack formal qualifications.
“In contrast, ECD teachers employed on a contract basis with the PSC predominantly hold ECD Para Professional qualifications (68 teachers), followed by 25 teachers with Diplomas or Certificates in Education. No contract-based teachers are graduates without teaching qualifications,” the report states.
According to the report, the national ECD Pupil to Teacher Ratio (PTR) stands at 31, while the Pupil to Trained Teacher Ratio (PTTR) is 39. Schools in rural areas have a higher PTR and PTTR, although the PTR and PTTR for the nation and the respective domains (rural and urban) are well above the recommended PTR of 20 for ECD.
“Provincially, ECD School Pupil-Teacher Ratios (PTRs) vary, with Bulawayo boasting the lowest ratio of 20 and Matabeleland South having the highest at 37. Notably, all provinces have achieved PTRs above the recommended benchmark of 20. A closer look at the Pupil-Trained Teacher Ratios (PTTRs) reveals that Manicaland and Matabeleland North have the highest ratio at 46, closely followed by Mashonaland Central at 45. Bulawayo records the lowest PTTR of 26.” — @themkhust
