The Sunday Mail
On Sunday 11 June 2017, The Sunday Mail published a story titled: “O-Level industrial attachment begins”, which had factual errors that emanated from the fact that the writer did not interview me on the issue.
As we all know, the New Curriculum (2015-2022) a product of the contribution of the whole nation as expressed on 28 November 2014 aims at: ensuring that learners demonstrate desirable literacy and numeracy skills including practical competences necessary for life; preparing learners for life and work in a globalised and competitive environment and fostering life-long learning.
The thrust of the new curriculum is competence based, therefore products from our current education system should be so equipped with knowledge, skills and competences that enable them to survive and to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.
These exit competences include: problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, leadership skills, technological skills, communication skills and team building, Business and financial literacy and Self-initiative and enterprise skills.
The message from the Nationwide Consultations that the nation required an education that equips learners with skills for life and work was loud and clear.
Life-skills Orientation Program (LOP) is therefore integrated in the delivery system as a cross-cutting learning area from the Junior Level (Grades 3 to 7) to Secondary Level (Forms 1 to 6). The Program provides each learner with “hands on” practical experience. A classic example is Madlambuzi High School in Bulilima District- Matebeleland South — where Driving is one of the Technical/Vocational Learning Areas being offered by the school working collaboratively with V.I.D Bulawayo.
This is clear evidence that we must consciously prepare our young for the future. Every learner must leave our school system with the desired exit competences that equip him/her sufficiently for life and the world of work.
(By the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr S. J Utete- Masango)
