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By Gilbert Munetsi
Technology through competence-based education is the surest guarantee that the country will meet the demands of a 21st century learner and challenges of competition in the global economy, a Cabinet Minister said Thursday.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Evelyn Ndlovu made the remarks in her keynote address read on her behalf by the Chief Director (Curriculum Development and Technical Services) Mr John Dehwa at a conference held in Harare.
Its aim was to redefine education technology.The day-long event was organised by Rural Optimum Schools Empowerment Foundation (ROSE) in partnership with Edutech and the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC).
Convened under the theme: “Mordenising Our Learning Institutions, Capacitating Schools While Building Technology-Ready Communities Beyond 2030,” the conference drew 150 participants who comprised of District School Inspectors, school heads, leaders and representatives of development committees from both rural and urban areas.
Among the topics presented were innovative financial solutions for community schools, cost-effective technology structures and infrastructure and enhancement towards socio- economic sustainability models.
“The Second Republic is committed to education for sustainable development which encourages enhancement in knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to enable a more sustainable and just society.”
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education strives to empower the rural and disadvantaged communities to fulfill the goals of the nation in bridging the technology divide,” Minister Ndlovu said.
She said the thrust to push for viable income generating projects in learning institutions serves to unlock the value they possess as key economic drivers.
Applauding the amalgamation of minds from the education sector, she noted the opportunity afforded them time to explore models through the utilisation of resources at hand.
“The Government, through the leadership of HE Emmerson Mnangagwa, is committed to transform the story of rural communities by 2030.
“The fact that ROSE strives for SMART green modern connected schools is a commendable initiative in supporting our rural schools.”
This approach explores innovative and cost-effective ways to build technological infrastructures for schools in a sustainable way through structured income generating projects”, she added.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, ROSE chairman Mr Luke Musambasi emphasized on the need for rural schools to be capacitated through the utilisation of land, for instance, for agricultural purposes and like activities that are income generating.
“Gone are the days schools perennially complain about insufficient income from tuition alone. Even in urban areas we are advocating for aquaponics and hydroponics as a way to ease the burden on the sector in general,” he said. Nhau/Indaba
