Production the key: President 

Source: Production the key: President – herald

Zvamaida Murwira in MAPHISA,  Matabeleland South

HERITAGE-Based Education must help learners to be equipped with science, innovation and critical thinking, where knowledge is the primary currency that helps draw investments and guarantee economic independence, President Mnangagwa has said.

Learners, he said, should not just take pride in being good at speaking English when they have nothing to show for the country in terms of producing goods and services as envisaged by the Heritage-Based Curriculum.

The President said this yesterday in his keynote address at the Children’s Party held at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo, Matabeleland South Province.

The Children’s Party drew 3 050 learners from all 10 provinces and provided a unique opportunity for them to interact with the First Family and have an understanding of policies relating to their well-being.

“At present, the Heritage-Based Curriculum was rolled out to help you leap-frog into a broader understanding of our nation, its history, its resources, society and vision for the future,” President Mnangagwa said.

“I do not want you to merely speak good English but also want you to be equipped with science, innovation and critical thinking, so that you can create goods and services.”

He also demonstrated his linguistic skill by speaking in both Shona and isiNdebele apart from English.

“I challenge those in the education sector to think outside the box to deliberately ignite passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, among our children. Scaling up investments in STEM is to guarantee national economic sovereignty in a globalised and technology-driven world, where knowledge is the primary currency,” President Mnangagwa said.

He added that a lot of education infrastructure has been constructed throughout the country, in line with Government’s thrust of “leaving no one and no place behind”.

To date, a number of science laboratories across the country, including in Matabeleland South Province, have been constructed and equipped.

President Mnangagwa said the programme is ongoing.

“Going forward, more must be done within primary and secondary schools to encourage innovations. Over and above the organisation of tours to heritage sites and tourist attractions, I call upon school authorities to equally expose our children to industry and science-oriented establishments.

“Learners throughout the country should be exposed to the knowledge and understanding about how our economy ticks,” he said.

President Mnangagwa challenged teachers to keep abreast with modern educational skills and ecosystems such as Artificial Intelligence.

In doing so, he said, a balance must be struck between the country’s rich cultural heritage and new technologies centred around Artificial Intelligence.

President Mnangagwa said he expects teachers to be at the forefront of setting up extracurricular activities, competitions and fairs to promote robotics, science, innovations and inventions, among other aspects, “right from the primary school levels”.

“On its part, Government is creating a pipeline for talent development that begins in the classroom and results in high-level innovation, research and development, that dovetails with our national needs as well as the global knowledge economy.

“I will be commissioning and handing over laptops to schools across the province towards bridging the digital divide,” he said.

The President said concerted efforts have been made to reach out to remote areas to have access to the internet.

“So far, the increased internet connectivity is making sure that schools in geographically hard-to-reach areas have access to wider education materials,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said various initiatives continue to be introduced to equip learners to become future leaders, notwithstanding that one resides in rural or urban areas.

“To make sure that you, our children, are ready for the world of the future, Government has put in place various programmes and projects.

“We are leaving no one and no place behind. No matter where you live, be it in rural or urban areas, we want you to have access to quality education, health, ICTs and other services.

“We will continue, therefore, to avail the necessary skills and knowledge so that you are able to stand shoulder to shoulder with other children from anywhere in the world on an equal footing.

“Overall, the ‘Internet of Things’, which is now at the fingertips of our learners, should help to expand the horizons of learners, in line with the fast-changing local demands and global environment,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said parents and educators have a duty to guide and protect children from the ills associated with access to the internet.

He urged learners not to be lazy but to be hard workers both at home and in their communities.

“I want to remind you, our children, that Zimbabweans are a hard-working people. Asifuni amavila/ hatidi usimbe. We want children who work and help with duties at home, in the communities and at school.

“In this respect, it is my expectation that learners will work hard and learn as much as they can from the Agriculture Business Units, which have been set up in various schools throughout the country, including here, at Mahetshe.

“At national level, agreements have been reached to ensure that the School-based Agriculture Business Units, together with Village Business Units, not only produce for local consumption but also for export,” he said.

School heads were directed to coordinate the productivity and sustainability of these entities.

Turning to the Independence commemorations set for today, President Mnangagwa called for unity, peace and love, saying it was the fuel that drives development.

“The peace we are enjoying today should be protected. I challenge you to preserve, and safeguard the fruits of Independence, which were realised because of the sacrifices of gallant sons and daughters of the soil, who fought tirelessly for our beloved motherland,” he said.

“Today, you, our children, have many more opportunities, rights and a chance to thrive for a better future.

“However, the rights are accompanied by responsibilities and duties, which will, in the long term, ensure that you become productive citizens who actively participate in developing our nation,” he said.

The President warned the children against vices such as bullying and drug and substance abuse.

He said the Second Republic will not tolerate criminal delinquency, such as bullying, abuse and violence of whatever nature.

“Stay away from drugs and substance abuse. No child should ever feel afraid, stigmatised and discriminated in schools and places or environments where they must learn and pursue their studies,” he said.

“Educators, you have a sacred responsibility to protect and nurture our children within the learning environments.

“Abuses and excesses of any kind will be dealt with. Punitive measures must be meted out against all perpetrators,” he said.

President Mnangagwa urged children to preserve the ethos of independence, which he said did not come on a silver platter, as many freedom fighters, including those from Matabeleland South Province, helped wage the war of liberation.

“This province, in particular, is home to many departed and living heroes and heroines who fought in the liberation struggle.

“These include the late Father Zimbabwe, Umdala Wethu, Vice President Cde Joshua Nkomo, uMama MaFuyana Johanna Nkomo and Cde Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo, among many others.

“The role they played, for our Independence, freedom, unity, peace and democracy, along with that of other national heroes, must continue to be cherished by you, the children and young people,” he said.

The event was attended by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, the two Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, legislators, local traditional leaders, among others.

Yesterday’s event preceded the 46th National Independence celebrations to be held in Maphisa today.