Prominance Sinomusa Khumalo
Bulawayo – It is not the Zimbabwe Gold that came under scrutiny at the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), but the country’s education system as well.
The 64th edition of the ZITF running on the theme, “Innovation : The Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade” had several discussions on the new currency that overshadowed the change in the education system.
Gone are the contentious Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) which had been hated by both the parents and students alike.
The CALA has been replaced by the Heritage Based 5.0 education model.
“The future of the country will increasingly be shaped by science and technology, hence the bias in the education system to foster critical thinking, innovation, creativity, problem-solving, and programming. As the learners enroll for secondary school level, they are then categorised according to their areas of proficiency. Central to the delivery of quality learning is the capacitation of teachers since the heritage-based curriculum requires a different approach. Focus will be placed on in-service teacher training and coaching, using locally available resources,” The Ministry of Education said.
The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, Professor Amon Murwira noted that the country is adopting an education system that produces skilled professionals to develop the country.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr. Torerai Moyo also indicated that Continuous Assessment Learning areas have been reduced to six for Grade sevens, as the education system becomes vocationalised.
“The revised curriculum is intended to rationalize CALA, they used to do 27 areas from eight areas per subject to one. Now grade 7 will do six areas and students will do school-based learning.”
At the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education pavilion, all displays showcased the new Education model.
The introduction of a revolutionary curriculum will transform the education system in Zimbabwe. This new approach aims to root students in their cultural heritage while equipping them with the skills needed for the future.
The Ministry stated that this transformative curriculum is a significant step in the modernization of the education sector, incorporating cutting-edge pedagogical techniques that will ensure students receive a well-rounded education. The curriculum will incorporate cultural heritage and values into all subject areas, from science to art, fostering an appreciation for Zimbabwe’s rich history and culture among the youths.
The Ministry of Education is taking a holistic approach to education, recognizing the crucial role it plays in the socio-economic development of the nation. In line with this, they have emphasized the need for education to go beyond the traditional classroom learning and foster the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindsets.
During the week of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), the Ministry showcased various programs and initiatives that promote these skills. Among them were a series of interactive exhibits and workshops that encouraged learners to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, equipping them with the problem-solving abilities that are essential in today.
Asked how will the projects (intellectual property) created by the school children be protected from being stolen? The Hon. Minister responded saying,
“These projects will be registered with Deeds (Intellectual Property) that will benefit these children and protect their work from being stolen “.
And when will these projects stop from being ideas but start being a functioning capable piece of work, for example the robot created by a student from Plumtree High? He said,
“We will deliberately give finincial support to those students, just like what we did with Jotta innovation where the Minister of Finance through the support the Speaker of Parliament provided US$60 000 to those students. They were going to practice and implement what ever they would have made”.
Dr. Murwira gave another example.
“Robotics innovations done at a school called T-World. They came up with an innovation of combined harvester which will harvest wheat and other products without the use of a driver.
The government will ensure that through the use of research and innovation we will provide funding, and that funding will lead towards formation of a company that deals with the manufacture of real combine harvesters which will use artificial intelligence. “
Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education emphasized on the importance of cultivating critical thinking skills in students.
“We want our children to be thinkers, problem-solvers, innovators, and creators.”
The Minister stressed the significance of this competency for the development of Zimbabwe’s future generations, particularly in a world that is rapidly changing and becoming increasingly complex. By fostering a culture of critical thinking, the ministry hopes to prepare young people for the challenges they will face in their personal and professional lives.
In line with the Ministry of Tertiary and Higher Education’s focus on developing critical thinking skills, another key theme is fostering innovation among students.
“Innovation is at the core of the Heritage Based Curriculum. We want to spark creativity and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovators who will drive Zimbabwe’s economic growth.”
To achieve this, the Ministry has implemented a range of initiatives that encourage students to experiment, tinker, and explore different ideas, from hands-on science experiments in primary schools to technology clubs in secondary schools.
The government has been supportive in transforming quality, equitable inclusive education which has always been provide for to learners. Thus the government will provides financial support in terms of the fiscus and in the 2024 National budget, government had prioritised the Ministry of Education.
A reporter from this publication got a chance to ask the Minister how will students from the rural areas have access to electricity since it’s common knowledge that in rural areas there is no electricity.
The Minister responded,
“We have solarisation of schools. Already global partners in education have some funds where there are solarising schools so that there is electricity and that will help in ensuring that digital technology is realised.”
Another commentator Tawungana Ndoro
asked if the CALAs have stopped he gave a response saying
“CALAs are still continuing for the examination classes, and we are talking about the grade 7, form 4 and upper 6. The rest of the learning levels are now fully in the Heritage Based Curriculum following the school based project which are done through out the year”.
A school based project is a task that is carried out through out the whole year.
It is unfortunate, we could not get response from any of the Teacher Unions for their thoughts of the new Heritage based education model at time of publication.
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