Chronicle
16 December 2010
By Chronicle Reporter
THE Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture has engaged an education expert to review and reform the country’s curriculum.
In an interview, the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart said the move was taken following a realisation that the country’s education curriculum was last reviewed in the mid-80s.
“The education curriculum was last reviewed in the mid 1980s and this review process culminated from the strategic plan document which was drafted in conjunction with various partners in the education sector,†said Minister Coltart.
He said the strategic plan was approved by the Government three months ago.
He said the ministry had seen it fit to engage academics to assist in reforming the curriculum.
“The first stage that we have to take is to engage an expert to give us advice before we start. We have engaged Professor Josiah Tlou, from Matabeleland South, a Professor of education in the United States of America on a three-month contract.
“He has been speaking to other experts in the country’s education sector to map the way forward,†said Minister Coltart.
He said the country’s curriculum had not been updated in line with technological advancements such as information technology, which he said had to be included in the new curriculum.
“Computers have applications to all subjects and this is one of the areas that has to be reviewed. Very few schools, especially in the rural areas, teach vocational oriented subjects which are very important in the education curriculum,†said Minister Coltart.
He said the new curriculum would include academic, vocational and social education as a way of widening knowledge in pupils.
“Every single subject will be reviewed and we will also look at including civic education, human rights, non-violent resolution of conflicts and domestic violence,†said Minister Coltart.