Around 300 new schools are set to be registered in the upcoming term, primarily consisting of upgraded satellite schools, while an additional 50 schools will be constructed by the year’s end through collaboration between development partners and the government. This initiative aligns with the Second Republic’s commitment to reducing the distance learners must travel to access education, in accordance with international standards.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, revealed during a Senate session that over US$2 million has been allocated for school construction this term, in response to President Mnangagwa’s directive to ensure that learners do not have to travel more than 5km to reach the nearest school.
The construction efforts will focus on areas where students currently travel long distances to attend school, with both primary and secondary schools being built.
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Additionally, the government will collaborate with development partners such as Unicef and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to support these construction projects.
The introduction of Heritage-based Education will complement Education 5.0, aiming to produce African children equipped for the 21st century. This includes promoting critical thinking skills and providing access to technology such as tablets and laptops for coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence education.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to improve internet connectivity in schools through initiatives like the “internet in a box,” allowing learners to access educational materials uploaded by teachers without relying on Wi-Fi. These reforms signify a shift towards modern education methods, emphasizing the use of ICT gadgets and digital resources over traditional textbooks.