Zim committed to quality education

The government is committed to providing quality education to equip learners with necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing global landscape, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo also reiterated his statement that no child should be turned away from school for non-payment of fees and levies. He was speaking last Wednesday to mark International Day of Education.

The United Nations in 2018 designated January 24 as the International Day of Education and this year is the sixth time that it is being commemorated.

This year the theme is “Learning for lasting peace” and it was chosen because the world is facing more conflicts, discrimination and hate speech.

“In Zimbabwe we firmly believe that education is the cornerstone for achieving our national goals and aspirations. Our education is tailored for the attainment of the national vision, which is to become a prosperous and empowered middle income society by 2030,” said Moyo.

He said the government is committed to promote inclusivity, equity, and access to education for all, regardless of gender, socio-economic background, or physical abilities.

Moyo urged Zimbabweans to be cognisant of the transformative power of education and its role in shaping the future of individuals and societies across the globe.

“Education equips individuals with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and empathy, laying the foundations for tolerance, understanding, and conflict resolution,” he said.

He said parents, guardians, civil society organisations, and the private sector should continue working with government in creating an environment where quality education can be accessed.

“Despite facing numerous challenges, such as infrastructure deficits, teacher shortages, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zimbabwe remains resolute in its commitment to improving the quality and relevance of education. Our ongoing efforts are centred on curriculum reform, teacher training, and the provision of necessary resources to ensure effective teaching and learning. We have recently reviewed our curriculum with the aim of ensuring it remains relevant to the 21st century learners,” he said.

Moyo called on school authorities to uphold the rights of children to education by not turning them away from school for non-payments of fees and levies as that is against the law.

The International Day of Education serves as a platform to highlight the critical role of education in achieving the Social Development Goals (SDGs) and to address the various challenges and disparities that exist in educational systems worldwide.

It emphasises the need for quality education that is accessible, inclusive, and relevant to all individuals, regardless of their gender, background, or socioeconomic status.

The designation of the Day can be traced back to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the UN in September 2015.

Goal number 4 of the SDGs focuses on education and aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

The African Union declared 2024 as the year of African Education under the theme “Ëducate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa.”

New Ziana