The Sunday Mail
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
GOVERNMENT will soon roll out technical high schools to offer academic and vocational education to learners to prepare them for jobs involving applied sciences and modern technology.
The authorities are presently reviewing the schools’ curriculum framework to bring it into sync with the demands of the 21st century job market.
It is envisaged that the introduction of technical high schools will help learners develop critical skills that enable them to be creators of their own employment.
Government has already identified a school in each province that will be used in the pilot phase of the project.
In an interview, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communications and advocacy Mr Taungana Ndoro said the schools will offer technical education to prepare learners for further training at vocational training centres.
“In the envisaged technical high schools, learners are allocated more time to develop innovative designs and technological ideas,” he said.
“Emphasis is on hands-on competencies, where learners will be periodically attached to industry as well and receive competitive accreditation in various technical skill areas.”
He said the programme will create a critical mass of qualified technical personnel, who are competitive on local and international labour markets.
“These schools will be a match between the fast-changing labour market and the human capital development through introducing technical and vocational education in schools.
“Allan Wilson High School will focus on metal technology and design, whilst Chinhoyi High School will focus on technical graphics.
“Chipindura High School will deal with building technology and design, whilst Guinea Fowl will focus on food technology and design,” said Mr Ndoro.
Hwange High School, he added, will offer textile technology and design, while Mutare Boys High School will seek to impart metal technology and design skills.
Furthermore, Mutoko High School will have home management and design, while Mwenezi High School will focus on building technology and design.
Mzingwane High School will concentrate on wood technology and Luveve High School will major in metal technology and design.
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