Revelations that the much publicised poor Ordinary Level pass rate is actually the best in 12 years will do little to allay fears that Zimbabwe’s education system is free-falling.
Education minister David Coltart on Friday released statistics that showed students actually performed better last year than in the previous years, as he sought to quell criticism that he is presiding over an education system that is weakening.
The figures, provided by Zimsec, may be accurate but sadly, they won’t bring any cheer except to illustrate the crisis that is inherent in Zimbabwe’s schools.
An 18,4% pass rate is not something parents, educators and students can be proud of. Rather, it is a wake-up call that an unacceptable number of students who are sitting for the O-Level examinations are failing and therefore, something urgently needs to be done to stop that trend.
That is the important task the government, which has been underfunding the sector, should be seized with this year. A simple examination of the learning institutions shows a lot of issues need attention. The condition of service for teachers remains a sore issue.
It’s common cause that disgruntled teachers cannot give their best to students when they are always planning strikes.
Schools lack adequate textbooks and qualified personnel after thousands of teachers left the country between 2005 and 2008. In the farms there is chaos. Thousands of new schools that were created without planning following the land reform exercise lack the basics needed to make learning possible.
Temporary teachers who mainly teach pupils there lack basic resources such as chalk.
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In towns and cities, there has been a proliferation of colleges offering secondary level studies. Little learning takes place at some of these institutions whose pupils are found roaming in the streets and cyber loafing most of the time.
These colleges need to be monitored in order to ensure that they uphold standards needed for proper learning to take place.
Instead of politicking and finger-pointing, responsible authorities should explore ways to ensure the education system is revamped as a matter of urgency.
