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Introduction of technical and vocational education, and early childhood education programmes, is expected to go a long way in ensuring that Zimbabwe’s education system is sustainable - Dr. Stephen Mahere, Permanent Secretary, Zimbabwe Ministry of Education
28 February, 2006 - Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Commission for UNESCO Consultative Meeting on Integrating Education for Sustainable Development into National Education Policies held at Cresta Oasis in Harare, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture, Dr. Stephen Mahere said that the introduction of technical and vocational education at O’Level, as well as early childhood education programmes, is expected to go a long way in ensuring that the country’s education system is sustainable.
“The Ministry (of Education Sports and Culture) has come up with a two pathway education structure which blends academic business/commercial, technology and vocational education. The implementation of this structure, it is hoped, will lead to the achievement of Education for Sustainable Development,” he said.
Speaking at the same meeting, the UNESCO Harare Director and Representative said his organization was committed to supporting the government in operationalising the seemingly abstract idea of sustainable development through education into a reality for the people of Zimbabwe.
“Education is the foundation of sustainable development,” said Prof. Shabani, adding that there was need to change some behaviours and principles to ensure that we sustainable development took place.
“There is need for a new vision of education that promotes knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable future as well as changes in values, behaviour and lifestyles,” Prof Shabani said.
Such a need, Prof Shabani said, called for a reorientation in education systems, policies and practices to empower people to work for a common future.
Attended by participants from the country’s two ministries of education, universities in the country, members of the civic society as well as from UNESCO Harare, the conference’s primary goal was to bring together key stakeholders with a role to play in the promotion of the Decade on Education for Sustainable Development with emphasis on reviewing how sustainable education could be incorporated into national education policies. The review was based on the Guidelines on the Integration of Education for Sustainable Development in Education Policies – a desk study conducted by Professor O. Shumba from the University of Zimbabwe.
The consultative meeting concluded by making a recommendation that a national taskforce be established. It was agreed that this body would tackle issues such as the DESD strategy and action plan; how to foster information dissemination and sharing; and explore partnerships and existing networks among other things.
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Gender Equality
