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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected] 

ZIMBABWE has adopted a new curriculum model called Education 5.0, which aims to shift the education system from a theory-based to a practical-based approach. Education 5.0 focuses on five key aspects: teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation. 

It seeks to equip students with the skills and knowledge to solve real-life problems and contribute to the development of the nation.

At Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic, three students have demonstrated the benefits of Education 5.0 by excelling in their respective programmes and showcasing their innovative and entrepreneurial abilities. 

They are Senabelo Trymore Mpofu, Simiso Ndlovu and Sandisiwe Moyo, who were the overall best students in Secondary Sciences, Technical Education and Teacher Education respectively.

Mpofu, who was under the Division of Teacher Education, was involved in designing and installing a solar system for the learning institution, which provided a reliable source of energy for its laboratories. She also devised functional teaching methods for topics in Physics, such as logic gates, light dependent resistors and thermistors. During her teaching practice, she invented a solar micro pump that minimises water contamination and wastage during practicals.

Education 5.0, which promotes industrialisation, modernisation and innovation, seeks to develop skills among students which was key in promoting industrialisation and the attainment of Vision 2030.

Mpofu said Education 5.0 has allowed her to explore her skills in innovation and technology. She is looking forward to coming up with solutions that will develop the nation.

“During my teacher practice, I identified areas where I could come up with solutions. I designed a solar system in order to address the issue of power supply. I also decided to come up with a solution for water contamination and wastage which we see when learners are conducting their practicals. 

“This motivated me to invent a solar micro pump which pumps from one point to the other minimising contamination and water wastage. The solar micro pump moves water from large containers to beakers and cylinders automatically using a switch without students having to scoop the water using beakers. Such a system can also be used within the community,” she said.

Ndlovu, who majored in animal production, said it had always been her passion to study agriculture at tertiary level. 

She did her internship at various dairy farms in Bulawayo as well as the Department of Veterinary Services. She assisted cows that had delivery problems, nursed a goat that had uterine prolapse, conducted disease surveillance, foot and mouth inspections, branding and diagnosis of various animal illnesses. She scored 13 out of a possible 14 distinctions. 

“I have a passion for animal health and I would like to pursue it further as a profession. It’s good that under Education 5.0 we are being empowered to become owners of companies and not just mere employees. This is that path which I want to pursue,” she said.

Moyo, who majored in music studies, said the new curriculum has presented learners with a wide scope of learning options. She said she wants to obtain a degree in music and become an entrepreneur. She taught TjiKalanga across all the grades at Madabe Primary School, where she was deployed. She composed and recorded a TjiKalanga song “Kwegula Manyala”, which she has performed at various platforms.

“During the course of my studies I did my teaching practice at Madabe Primary School in Mangwe District. It was a pleasure to teach to TjiKalanga to the learners and to contribute towards developing the language which was once marginalised. I have a passion for music and I managed to record a song in TjiKalanga which was played during this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair show among other platforms. I have also recited poems in TjiKalanga in different platforms. I love TjiKalanga which is my language and this platform had given me a chance to promote my language.”

A total of 982 students graduated from the Divisions of Teacher Education and Technical Education.

681 students graduated from the teacher education division while 281 were from the technical division. This year’s graduation was held under the theme “Promoting innovation and industrialisation through a transformed curriculum.”–@DubeMatutu