Edwin Moyo.
Gweru-The Midlands Province has successfully played host to the National Annual Science , Sports and Arts Festival (NASSAF).
The NASSAF was held at the former Group A school, Chaplin High last week with schools being drawn from across the nation participating in various science and sporting disciplines.
The NASSAF is a platform which was set up by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary for demonstrating and sharing good practices in translating theory to practical and preparing the foundation for pupils to start thinking and horning their skills in order to produce quality goods.
Speaking at the official opening of the festival in Gweru, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Tonderai Moyo said, consultations on curriculum review were important in transforming educational framework.
“As you are aware, the Curriculum Framework for the Primary and Secondary Education ran its full cycle from September 2015 to September 2022 and is currently under review.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended the nationwide consultative meetings to gather views on the transformation of our curriculum to meet the industrial and other social imperatives for national development.
“I’m impressed by what pupils have showcased in terms of Technology and Design, Visual and Performing Arts, Science and Mathematics, Olympiads, Science Exhibitions and in Agriculture. In this case, under the Human Capital Development theme of our National Development Strategy,
“We are demonstrating our commitment to laying the foundation for education 5.0.
“Competence-Based Curriculum, we are looking at the Arts as a Learning area through which various talents are promoted and nurtured. These areas include the Visual and Performing Arts which actually is an industry through which meaningful livelihoods and substantial revenue can be achieved for national development,” he added.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube said participation of pupils was a realisation of education 5.0.
“Your participation is a clear indication of your commitment towards realization and success of the Education 5.0.
“The National Development Strategy (NDS1) targets broadening quality, equitable and inclusive education through various strategies. These include, among others, adoption of technology that support effective learning and strengthening research and exhibitions.
“The festival is also meant to showcase products of the new curriculum. It seeks to develop the enormous reservoir of talents and gifts that learners are endowed with that are key to the sustainable socio-economic development of the nation. 1060 out of 1281 schools in the Province are located in the rural areas which translates to 84.27%.” Ncube said
