First batch of science teachers graduate at MTC

SUKOLUHLE NDLOVU IN GWERU

The first batch of  more than 80 secondary school science teachers  graduated  last week at Mkoba Teachers College in Gweru.

Mkoba Teachers College mainly offers primary teachers education training.

But, was one of the four colleges chosen by the government to offer a secondary school science teachers programme, which was rolled out in 2018  after the government disbursed US$5m for the training.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Amon Murwira said the initiative was meant to address skills shortages in the field of science.

“This is a special graduation where we are witnessing the graduation of the first cohort of secondary school science teachers following the significant decision by the government to make Mkoba Teachers’ College one of the four colleges to offer this programme,” Murwira said.

He added: “This is a response to a skills audit in 2018 which showed that there was 97% deficit of science teachers. Through this programme, we believe that we are reducing the deficit of science teachers in the country.”

Professor Murwira said quality education was necessary for various innovations that will transform the country.

“Quality education is our enabler because we can only develop based on our knowledge and innovation skills. Education should be able to benefit the country hence this directly translates to achieving education anchored on innovation in order to transform industry,” he said.