Harare Polytechnic, Chinese institutions ink deal
CLOUDINE MATOLA
Harare Polytechnic has inked a tripartite deal with two Chinese institutions- Xinganglian Group and Shanxi Engineering Vocational College- with the aim of promoting research, training, and technology transfer between the two countries, among other things, Business Times can report.
As a result of the agreement, at least 60 students from departments like mechanical, electrical, and metallurgy would receive scholarships to study in China.
Speaking after the tour and unveiling of the Zimbabwe-China Harare polytechnic Huaye Institute plaque permanent secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira said this five year agreement shows the internationalisation of the education system as well as the fulfilment of national aspirations.
“The agreement which will last for an initial period of five years, is a testament of the internationalisation of the education systems and the fulfilment of national aspirations in education outlined in the National Development Strategy.
“The agreement seeks to promote the Internationalization of vocational education, to foster technology and skills transfer, ensure joint development of curriculum as well as provide opportunities for employment creation for Harare Polytechnic students in the field of metallurgy, coal coking, electricity and safety,” Prof Tagwira said.
He added:”The establishment of the metallurgical Centre of excellence to be known as Zimbabwe-China Harare Poly-Huaye Institute at Harare Polytechnic, therefore, will go a long way in unlocking value for Zimbabwe. The establishment of this centre of excellence resonates well with Zimbabwe’s efforts to target skills development in its graduates. This is why Zimbabwe recently launched its Technical and Vocational Education Training policy. “
He said the deal was further evidence of the excellent bilateral relations between the Government of Zimbabwe and the Republic of China.
Professor Tagwira added that since the country has vast mineral wealth hence it is important to have knowledge and skills needed to promote value addition and beneficiation so that the country’s economy will grow.
“As we gather here at Harare Polytechnic today, we are reminded of the vast mineral wealth that Zimbabwe is endowed with. “These resources have the potential to drive economic growth and spur national development. We therefore need to develop a human capital with knowledge and skills that are needed to promote value addition and beneficiation.
“Doing so will see the country moving away from the current practice where mineral resources are exported in their raw forms thus creating industries in other countries.
“The development of critical skills and knowledge in our people can therefore be achieved through creating opportunities for partnership and collaboration in the manner that Harare Polytechnic has done,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Dr. Tafadzwa Mudondo, the principal of Harare Polytechnic, disclosed that 60 students from the institution will receive scholarships to study in China next year.
“I am excited that 60 Harare Polytechnic students in metallurgy and mechanical engineering shall form the initial cohort and receive full scholarship to study in China in 2025 for 18 months. (Those) in electrical engineering will join later in 2026,” Dr Mudondo said.
Until the five-year arrangement expires, Dr. Mudondo said, other polytechnics will also be eligible for similar scholarships.
“This will see other polytechnics being brought on board. Different groups of students will continue being part of scholarship until the expiry of 5 years,” he said.
Dr Mudondo added: “The partnership shall anchor critical skills development and technology transfer, share best practices and expertise, facilitate student and faculty exchanges, excellence in teaching and learning, drive innovation and research and conferencing, enhance capacity building as well as strengthen exchange programs.”
