In support of Zim-Asset, curriculum review

12 Jul, 2015 - 00:07 0 Views
In support of Zim-Asset, curriculum review A Knowstics student demonstrates to the community how a vegetable bed is made.

The Sunday Mail

A Knowstics student demonstrates to the community how a vegetable bed is made.

A Knowstics student demonstrates to the community how a vegetable bed is made.

Bridge Reporter

Hundreds of people drawn from villages surrounding Knowstics Academy in Nyanga recently descended on the institution where they exchanged tips with the students on good agricultural practices.

The academy, which is one of the country’s top-performing schools, organised a field day which was attended by the local community, neighbouring schools such as Fatima and Mbaza and agricultural experts among other guests.

Participants shared information on how to commercially grow tomatoes.

“I was impressed with what I saw. As parents, we should always encourage our children to take practical subjects such as agriculture since they will directly apply what they would have learnt at school later in life,” said Mr Felix Sadziwa, one of the parents who mixed and mingled with the students.

On show was a thriving tomatoes project in which the Knowstics students were heavily involved.

Detailed presentations were made by agricultural extension officers, an agronomist and a carpenter who specialises in the construction of greenhouses.

Members of the community also made their contributions as they gave the students important tips.

Proceedings were dominated by the students, who proudly exhibited the fruits of their toil.

“I learnt a lot from the people that came here. I was relieved to note that we are not far off the mark when it comes to the production of a competitive product,” said Patience Bishi, an “A” Level student at the prestigious college.

From the beginning, the students were taught how to construct greenhouses by experienced carpenters and were also actively involved in nursing the seeds, treating them and also transplanting them.

“They were actively involved from day one up to the beneficiation stage when they were taught how to market their produce.

As a learning institute, we are doing this in support of Zim-Asset. When the students finish their studies, they will be in a position to produce and market their products,” said Mr William Mukuwapasi, the director of the academy.

The agriculture sector features prominently in the Zim Asset economic blueprint.

Mr Mukuwapasi, a respected educationist, said his institution is in support of the Nziramasanga Commission report which encourages skills training in schools.

“Students must be introduced to such practical subjects as agriculture and fashion and fabrics early, say in Form One.

By the time they finish their “A” Levels studies, they should be able to go out there and start companies as opposed to seeking employment,” added Mr Mukuwapasi.

Students are also taught piggery, fashion and fabrics and beef production among other skills.

The academy enjoys a healthy working relationship with the community and has often joined hands with the community to rehabilitate roads linking Nyanga to both Rusape and Mutare.

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