Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 model can be traced back to the war of liberation where learners experienced more practical learning that could be used for economic and social emancipation.
Speaking to the Harare Post, Zimbabwe Foundation for Education with Production (ZIMFEP) Board Chairperson, Cde Cassiah Rayo, highlighted the beginning of ZIMFEP in Mozambique due to the large number of children who could not yet fight in the war.
“This organisation started in Mozambique due to the many children who could not yet fight the war and were doing nothing, so they were put in both primary and secondary levels of education. Though there was lack of resources, the concept of education with production, which is using what you produce, was initiated to bridge the gap of inactivity.
“For example, doing agriculture whereby you farm for your produce and build your own houses using bamboo trees, which we used to call ‘poshito’. So, in that regard, it was made for pupils to have theory in the morning and in the afternoon do practicals and also have time to train as soldiers/fighters so as not to be detached from what was happening at that time,” said Cde Rayo.
Cde Rayo further noted how the concept of education with production was implemented in a free Zimbabwe, where a person would not only know theoretical knowledge but also be equipped with the hands-on aspect.
“When we attained Independence, the schools in Mozambique were numerous, so we opened schools such as Chindunduma 1&2, Rusununguko, and Nkululeko in Gweru, among others, were attended by those coming from Mozambique. The element of a child being imparted with both theory and practical continued in a free Zimbabwe where one would not only survive on white-collar jobs,” said the Board chair.
The concept of education with production emerged from efforts to solve practical issues, such as food and accommodation shortages within refugee camps for Zimbabwean exiles during the liberation struggle.
In addition, ZIMFEP Executive Director Cde Ephraim Chitofu noted how people farmed their own crops in refugee camps, and the concept of education with production was documented by Cdes Mutumbuka and Fabian Makoni.
“When people stayed in refugee camps, they used to plant their own crops to feed themselves. Cde Mutumbuka and Cde Fabian Makoni documented the concept of education with production, which led to many schools being set up around Zimbabwe; these included Mavhudzi, Rusunguko, Fatima, and Mupfure, among others,” said Cde Chitofu.
Cde Chitofu noted that the schools set up by ZIMFEP are now being taught by local teachers who didn’t participate in the liberation war but were trained by those that started the education with the production concept.
Heritage education 5.0, similar to education with production, is the way to go for Zimbabwe to rise from the predicament it is in. Integrating practical skills, it promotes resourcefulness and innovation in schools to be able to address real-world problems.
