UANC Slams Constant Education Policy Shifts, Says System Is Failing Zimbabwean Children

HARARE-The opposition United African National Council (UANC) party has raised alarm over what it describes as chaotic and burdensome changes to Zimbabwe’s education policies, warning that the current system is placing unnecessary strain on teachers, parents and learners. In a statement released Tuesday, UANC leader Mr Percy Chigodora said frequent curriculum changes introduced in the middle of the academic year were disrupting teaching and learning, forcing educators to rush syllabi and shift the burden to parents through excessive homework. “The constant changes in curricula during the course of the year create panic among teachers, who in turn transfer the pressure to parents and children,” the party said.

UANC noted that parents are often compelled to purchase new textbooks at short notice, when prices are high due to urgency, further worsening the financial burden on already struggling households.The party also criticised what it termed an “overloaded” primary school system, arguing that young learners are being forced to carry excessive numbers of books daily. “It is disturbing to find a Grade One pupil carrying as many as eight exercise books, yet the child may not even be able to read or write properly,” the statement read. UANC took particular issue with the introduction of project-based learning at primary school level, describing it as a waste of time and resources that offers little educational value to young children.Instead, the party proposed a return to art and craft-based learning, which it says equips children with practical, hands-on skills.

It further called for the revival of technical and vocational subjects such as building, carpentry, metalwork and technical drawing at secondary and high school levels.“This approach would produce learners who are practical, skilled and easier to integrate into industry,” the party said. The party urged the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo, to critically reassess the current policies.“We hope the minister will reflect on the education system that shaped him, compare it with what he is currently advocating, and correct the mistakes being made,” UANC said. The opposition party’s call comes at a time,the education sector in the country has been criticised by experts for its falling standards.