Mavima Pushes for Pro-Level Career Counselors in E...

Mavima Pushes for Pro-Level Career Counselors in Every School

Patience Muchemwa - Senior Reporter

The Ministry of Skills Audit and Development successfully held a two-day workshop focused on the National Career Guidance Policy Framework at the Management Training Bureau in Msasa, Harare.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government ministries, universities, and civil society organizations, all united in their commitment to shaping a robust national strategy for career guidance.

The workshop was officially graced by the line Minister Paul Mavima, who commended both government and private institutions for their ongoing efforts in implementing and promoting career guidance across the country.

In his keynote address, Minister Mavima emphasized the critical need for professionally trained career guidance counselors in the education system. “Every school must have a well-qualified career guidance counselor,” he asserted, urging the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to prioritize this initiative.

A wide range of institutions participated in the workshop, sharing their strategies and experiences. Among the academic institutions represented were the University of Zimbabwe, Chinhoyi University of Technology, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe Open University, Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU), and Women’s University in Africa, among others. Also in attendance were representatives from the Public Service Commission, Girl Guides, Youth Archiver, Youth Empowerment and Vocational Training, and Dream Builder.

Minister Mavima highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to establish more vocational training centers across the country. He underscored that career guidance should not be limited to theoretical instruction but must include practical exposure and skills development. Referring to global best practices, he shared his admiration for China’s approach to early career exposure. “I saw a video of Chinese children engaging in hands-on learning — some acting as engineers, bakers, and other professionals — and they were excellent in their work,” he said.

In closing, the Honourable Minister called on all attending institutions to collaborate and exchange ideas to create a cohesive and effective career guidance framework. “It is only through partnership and knowledge-sharing that we can adequately equip our youth for the future,” he concluded.