The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has urged schools across Zimbabwe to embrace academic exhibitions as a way of identifying and developing learners’ talents and abilities in line with the country’s Education 5.0 thrust.
Absalom Mudavanhu, a Schools Inspector representing District Schools Inspector Solomon Mafukidze, made the remarks during the ZAOGA Group of Schools exhibition in Harare over the weekend, describing the projects on display as an example that could be replicated across the education sector.
Mudavanhu said exhibitions provided learners with opportunities to demonstrate practical and technical skills that could complement conventional classroom learning and prepare them for life beyond school.
“The experience here is very good. In fact, we have got this idea that normally during our DASAF, NASAF competitions and other cluster competitions, we have learners exhibiting their skills, their technical skills, and I hope this school is involved in the education system,” Mudavanhu said.
“If this is done by all the schools in Zimbabwe, I think it will help learners develop skills, which are life skills that will help them survive.”
His remarks come as the Government continues to promote an education system that places greater emphasis on practical skills, innovation and the application of knowledge, with schools increasingly expected to equip learners with competencies relevant to the changing world of work.
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The ZAOGA exhibition offered a model of how schools can create additional platforms for learners to translate classroom knowledge into practical projects while exposing them to technology and skills that could become increasingly important in the workplace.
The call was also reinforced by ZAOGA Group of Schools Apex Board chairman Lindon Nkomo, who said the group had placed technology at the centre of its approach to learning, with the inaugural exhibition providing an opportunity for learners to demonstrate innovation.
“We promote the use of technologies in our schools. The emphasis is on embracing technology because it is the future. Every inch of our being is technology. There are different compartments that are being used in schools,” Nkomo said.
He said the group was encouraging its schools to adopt emerging technologies while ensuring that learners understood the importance of responsible use.
“We are also, however, encouraging our learners across the board to use technology responsibly. We are emphasising that every school in ZAOGA embraces technology, robotics and artificial intelligence, and all learning platforms so that they leave school fully equipped for the industry,” he said.
The exhibition showcased learners’ projects and practical applications of their academic knowledge, highlighting the potential for schools to use exhibitions not only as competitive platforms but also as spaces for innovation, creativity and skills development.
For the Ministry, Mudavanhu said such initiatives could complement existing competitions and programmes that provide learners with opportunities to demonstrate abilities beyond traditional academic assessment.
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