The ManicaPost
Raymond Damba
Today, the 4th of May, witnesses Mutare Teachers’ College (MTC) and the entire Mutare community celebrating the accomplishments of our jewel students. It is the occasion of the college’s 61st graduation festivity. The college has, undoubtedly, come a long way.
From its inception in 1956 it has relentlessly churned out reputable classroom practitioners. The “Jewel College” family is delighted by the achievements of its students who graduate with diplomas in education at this historic occasion today.
MTC is a remarkable institution that is internationally renowned for its excellence in research, Inclusive Education for Sustainable Development and commitment to a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) driven curriculum. Acting Principal, Mr Abison Mutubuki, an educationist par excellence, has steered the MTC ship with distinction and the college continues to excel in leaps and bounce. It is for this reason that we have maintained our “Jewel of Excellence” stripes at MTC.
Fostering Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills through a Robust Teacher Education
This year’s graduation theme, “Fostering Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills through a Robust Teacher Education” speaks directly to the national thrust for creativity and problem solving skills to be inculcated in our learners. The college produces a brand of a teacher with the requisite 21st century skills to function in the global market. We insistently champion the fostering of critical skills through a robust teacher education curriculum that resonates with the quest to open our country for business.
The need to revamp our education system for a sustainable social and economic development trajectory in Zimbabwe can never be overemphasised. The new dispensation’s development agenda is predicated, in part, on a sound teacher education system. To this end, our graduation theme this year could not have been more appropriate.
As an institution, we have embraced the build, operate and transfer (BOT) and other such initiatives to transform the college for a healthy teacher education system. The catch phrase, “Zimbabwe is open for business”, finds miniature expression through some of the projects currently underway at MTC. Granted, infrastructural development is always work in progress but our “quick wins” include, inter-alia, the refurbishment of student accommodation, revamping of our internet connection, construction of a Physics laboratory and a collapsible gate at the college main entrance.
Other deliverables that make us “open for business” at MTC in the short and medium terms include;
Erection of a perimeter wall.
Installation of solar water pumps and irrigation system for the college horticultural projects
Installation of solar street lighting
Installation of CCTV cameras in the canteen storeroom and computer laboratories
Improving the road network in the college
Construction of two staff houses
Construction of a sports pavilion
Establishment of a Technical Laboratory in line with STEM.
Construction of a multi-purpose hall
The curriculum
The college offers the following programmes;
Diploma in Education (Two-Year Programme). Subjects on offer are History, Geography and Environmental Studies, Physical Education and Sport, Accounting, Commerce and Economics. In line with STEM Biology, Chemistry and Physics are now being offered as stand-alone subjects. Computer Science and Mathematics are now a two year programme.
Diploma in Education (Three Year Programme). Subjects on offer are Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Chishona, Clothing and Textiles, Food and Nutrition, Music, Art and Design, Computer Studies and Physical Education and Sport.
Online Distance e-Learning (ODel). The college is a centre for the ODel Programme in Mathematics and Science. The Bachelor of Education degree in Mathematics and Science (B.Ed ODeL) is a part time degree programme offered to pre- and in-service secondary school teachers. It is offered jointly with the University of Zimbabwe.
The college realises the importance of tech-voc subjects in enabling learners to take advantage of the opportunities available in the world of work. To this end plans are at an advanced stage to introduce Agriculture, Building Studies and Technical Graphics in 2019.
Research
The college has carved a niche for itself as a hive of activity in terms of research. The number of staff that present research papers at fora such as TERC, RIO-SET, Victoria Falls Research Conference and ZIBF is steadily increasing. A few members of staff have attended and presented research papers at regional level.
MoU Programmes in Teachers Education
On behalf of the government of Zimbabwe, the college is training students from Equatorial Guinea. They are specialising in Mathematics and Computers. Two of the students are graduating today.
Income generating projects
Mutare Teachers’ College has a number of income generating projects that are at the take off stage. The over-arching aim is to turn the college into a fully-fledged income generation centre. These are the Vumba Restaurant, horticulture, poultry, fishery and piggery.
Mutare Teachers’ College’s bid to acquire a farm is now at an advanced stage since college has plans that are at an advanced stage to introduce Agriculture. Whilst the college awaits an offer letter, it is leasing a farm which already holds a beautiful herd of 69 cattle.
The College Vision
To be a leading teacher education institute that guarantees Zimbabwe as a leader in the production of adaptive, innovative and creative teachers.
The College Mission Statement
To provide an effective system for the production of competent secondary school teachers who are globally competitive.
The College Goals
To run an effective quality teacher education system geared towards the development and production of human capital for the sustenance and growth of the economy of Zimbabwe.
The College Core Values
Patriotism, creativity, integrity (unhu/ubuntu), entrepreneurship, professionalism, multicultural tolerance, innovativeness, inclusivity and industry.
