The ManicaPost
Tinashe Mlambo
Post Reporter
ZIMBABWE Open University has partnered a local development organisation to hone the management and pedagogy skills of Early Childhood Development (EDC) stakeholders in the province.
The five-day training workshop which started on Monday and ending today (Friday) was spearheaded by the university’s Department of Teacher Development and Educational Studies in collaboration with Calben Trust at their regional office in Mutare.
The training was aimed at empowering ECD directors, managers, teachers, nutritionists, counsellors and caregivers with the latest infant management and pedagogy skills, following which they received certificates.
The Calben Trust sponsored the event by paying 60 percent of the training fees, while participants paid the balance of 40 percent.
About 50 ECD stakeholders attended the training.
A lecturer in the Department of Teacher Development, Dr Edward Mandoga said ECD managers, teachers and caregivers need to be constantly developed and refreshed to improve on their competences to meet changing needs of infant learners.
Educational management lecturer, Dr Constance Gutuza said care and support are critical for effective ECDs.
Dr Charles Govera Chipika, an expert in inclusive education, took the trainees on “catering for diversity in special need education”, while Mr Davie Mapfunde delved on counselling skills required when handling infants with different challenges at home and school.
Such challenges, if not attended to, might affect their development.
Other areas covered include the role of ECD director, teacher and caregiver, nutrition, safety and security, use of ICTs and innovation in ECDs — which is one of the key drivers of Education 5.0.
Calben Trust director, Mr Willie Ndhlandhlara said there is need to capacitate ECD stakeholders for a strong foundation for child development.
“We have embarked on various initiatives of capacity building that start from the grassroots going up. We are honoured to be partnering with ZOU in taking the work of the university beyond the four walls. This is a continuous partnership that impacts communities in a positive way,” he said.
Mr Ndhlandhlara said their partnership with ZOU was impeccable since they also have a scholarship programme which pays tuition fees for needy students enrolled for various programmes within the institution.
ZOU Manicaland regional director, Mr Clever Mapara described the event as a success, and also thanked key stakeholders from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Marymount Teachers’ College, among others that attended the training.
“We are overwhelmed by the response from stakeholders and are looking forward to having a similar programme in Nyanga, and then move to other districts in line with the leaving no one and no place behind mantra,” he said.
