Samantha Chigogo, Herald Bureau
Educationists have welcomed government’s decision to offer free education to pupils registering Science subjects at Advanced Level this year, describing it as an ‘enticing incentive’ that will attract more pupils to enrol for the classes.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo announced on Wednesday that there would be free education for all pupils in public schools who will register for Science subjects at A’ Level.
The move is meant to promote the learning of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, collectively called STEM.
Educationist Caiphus Nziramasanga said the initiative was noble as it was in line with the curriculum review that encouraged STEM.
“We’re likely to get more students motivated to do Science subjects in secondary school because their numbers are already few,” he said.
“I believe government is just trying to encourage students to do more Science-oriented subjects which is a welcome initiative as already the curriculum review gave special prominence and attention to STEM.”
“From an educational perspective, if this move isn’t a temporary measure, it will provide relief to most parents struggling with school fees. Already, education is becoming extremely expensive in the country and Sciences are more expensive hence this will be advantageous to the nation in future.”
Education Coalition Zimbabwe director Maxwell Rafomoyo said the move would encourage innovation among students.
“While it’s a good motivation scheme, this could be a starting point that the country’s education system has been lacking because basic education is a right which should be enjoyed for free,” he said.
“Prioritising Science and Mathematics doesn’t mean that the system doesn’t need other subjects. We will be sending a wrong message as humanities and others areas of focus are also much important.”
“What this means is that, let us concentrate on areas that’ve been neglected for a while but we’re conscientising broadening support of policies for basic education without necessarily focusing on a few students.”
He said government should do more to ensure free basic education was availed to all children.
Educationist and lecturer in the Department of Technical Education at University of Zimbabwe, Peter Kwaira, said popularising STEM would complement the national economic endeavours.
“Education is all about relevance and we are on for that which makes our curriculum stronger and I believe STEM is the way to go,” he said.
“We want to invest on what we see relevant to the country and I think the importance of Science subjects is derived from local issues at hand which include Zim-Asset and the 10-Point Plan which can only be spearheaded with the value added by STEM priority.
The World Economic Forum recently revealed that under-development in most parts of the continent was blamed on Africa’s failure to adopt robust strategic plans on STEM policies and clear frameworks for implementing them.