Zimbabwe pushes Heritage-Based Education 5.0

Published: 2 hours ago

Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Frederick Shava has highlighted the country's Heritage-Based Education 5.0 initiative as a transformative approach to curriculum reform, emphasizing local content, industry-relevant skills, and research rooted in Zimbabwean cultural heritage.

Shava made the remarks during the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) silver jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years since the publication of the book Open Doors, Open Minds: ZOU's Silver Jubilee Reflections. He said the government introduced Heritage-Based Education 5.0 to address lingering colonial-era educational bottlenecks while fostering a convergence of indigenous knowledge and modern science to produce innovative solutions for national development.

"This strategic approach ensures that our higher education sector supports economic growth while upholding our cultural sovereignty, empowering our people to shape their future through education," Shava said. He stressed the importance of grounding curricula in the nation's rich culture and history, calling for the development of concepts and literature that are culturally relevant, contextually grounded, and intellectually rigorous.

Shava also commended ZOU for its role in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in higher education. The university has implemented a decentralized delivery model with regional campuses in each province and district centres in select areas, bringing educational opportunities closer to students.

"ZOU has become a valuable beacon of hope for numerous individuals who might otherwise have been deprived of access to conventional brick-and-mortar institutions," he said.

The minister praised ZOU for its commitment to academic excellence, noting the university's efforts in strengthening faculty qualifications, advancing research, fostering innovation, and engaging communities. He added that ZOU has aligned itself with the Second Republic's vision for Heritage-Based Education 5.0 through specialized STEM programmes and cutting-edge research initiatives designed to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurial skills.

Through this approach, the government aims to ensure that higher education not only produces knowledgeable graduates but also equips them with practical skills and cultural insight to drive Zimbabwe's social and economic development.
- newsday

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