The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is committed and ready to render assistance to individuals and organisations that are willing to contribute to the building of more educational facilities in the country.
Speaking at the Association of Independent Colleges of Zimbabwe consultative meeting where leaders and heads of independent colleges across the country gathered at a local hotel recently, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Nokhuthula Matsikenyiri, said: “We need more schools and I want to invite you to build schools which will be affordable to the majority of the Zimbabwean parents. The Government is ready to render any assistance to all those willing to contribute infrastructure in the education sector. I am glad that your department previously called Non-formal education has gradually evolved and nicodemously formalised.”
She added: “The opportunities you are giving second chancers and those who would have failed to secure vacancies in Government schools is commendable. I hear that splendid ordinary and advanced level results are also coming from your sector, with candidates scoring as high as 25 points at Advanced Level; well done.
“The Government acknowledges that not all our children are academically gifted and your trust in vocational and technical skills is well appreciated. I want to urge all colleges to take up more vocational and technical subjects to increase the skills base of our economy while at the same time churning out employment creators than job seekers. As the Government, we are available to offer the necessary support.”
The meeting was held under the theme: “Contributing towards attainment of Vision 2030 through quality, inclusive and sustainable education”.
Speaking at the same event, the Association of Independent Colleges of Zimbabwe president, Professor Washington Mahiya, said: “Despite the turbulent times, we never lost sight of the quest for providing excellent primary, secondary and tertiary education in Zimbabwe. The vibrancy we have today as the Association of Independent Colleges in Zimbabwe is a sign of commitment.
“This is not a time for petty and unnecessary criticism but of working hard as a team to produce results. We must have to build the noble education mansion for all learners despite their socio-economic standing.”
