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Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
SCHOOLS should give special attention to science subjects in order to prepare pupils for careers in science and technology that are in demand on the job market, a university lecturer has said.

Dr Nomathemba Ndiweni, the National University of Science and Technology’s dean of the faculty of medicine, said science education was crucial to pupils who were now learning in a technology driven world.

“Things are happening today because of innovations. In order for these innovations to become a reality, it starts with small science experiments that are done at school,” Dr Ndiweni told pupils during the commissioning of a science laboratory at Phakama Secondary School in Bulilima on Wednesday.

“The academic inquiry continues at university level and the end result is innovation. It’ll be, however, difficult for pupils to be a part of this world which can be termed the knowledge economy, if they’re not being taught these science subjects.”

She said innovation had led to the success of many people. Scientific innovations were behind the success of institutions like Silicon Valley, drug manufacturers and mobile phone manufacturing companies.

Dr Ndiweni said pupils had to be afforded the opportunity to learn from upgraded science laboratories.

She said schools with fully furnished laboratories had a better chance of producing pupils who qualify to be enrolled at science universities like Nust and polytechnic colleges.

Dr Ndiweni said school authorities should desist from misappropriating funds in order for schools to develop.

“Often funding doesn’t get used for the intended purpose but this laboratory is an example of correct use of funds. Such transparency promotes partnerships with donors,” she said.

Speaking at the same event, Bulilima Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, John Brown Ncube, said the introduction of pure sciences at the school was a milestone achievement as most schools within the district were only offering Integrated Science.

He said out of 18 secondary schools in the district, four missionary schools were offering pure sciences.

Ncube said Phakama Secondary was the first council-owned school to have a fully- equipped laboratory.

He urged all rural schools to teach pure sciences extensively. He said 14 schools were under construction in the district to reduce distances walked by pupils.

The school’s development committee chairperson, Phydelis Moyo, said the laboratory was constructed three years ago but could not be operational as it did not have equipment.

He said the school submitted an application for funding to the Australian Embassy last year in July. Moyo said plans were also underway to introduce an A-Level class next year.