Government challenges tertiary institutions to prioritise science and technology skills

GOVERNMENT has challenged tertiary institutions to equip their learners with skills in science and technology to enhance their output in developing the key sectors of the country’s economy.

This was said by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Fanuel Tagwira, recently after being paid a courtesy call by the leadership of a non-governmental organisation, the Forum for African Women Educationalists Zimbabwe (FAWEZI).

“Zimbabwe’s development trajectory requires a strong pipeline of scientists, engineers, technology and health professionals, researchers and other highly skilled professionals.

“It is not about increasing enrolment numbers; it is about strengthening Zimbabwe’s future human capital and ensuring that our education system is able to identify, nurture and develop talent from across the country.

“As we expand access, we must also strengthen an awareness of the opportunities available within Zimbabwe’s higher and tertiary education,” said Tagwira.

In partnership with FAWEZI, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education recently undertook a benchmark sojourn to Uganda to examine how Zimbabwe can assimilate the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathways into local institutions.

The partnership between the government and the Mastercard Foundation is also assisting students from marginalised communities in Zimbabwe’s tertiary institutions to undertake STEM subjects.

“We are seeing how strategic partnerships can translate policy priorities into tangible opportunities for young people. To date, 192 young women and men have been enrolled across six institutions.

“Their participation demonstrates the importance of creating alternative and supportive pathways for young people who may otherwise face barriers to accessing or completing their tertiary education,” said Tagwira further.

FAWEZI executive director Lydia Madyirapanze said the organisation is holistically assisting marginalised communities in tertiary institutions.

“As FAWE, we really appreciate the fact that we are not looking at the financial support that is being offered to the programme participants, but they want to holistically ensure that as these programme participants are in the institutions, what other support do they require,” said Madyirapanze.