Govt approves the Zimbabwe National Early Learning Policy.

Govt approves the Zimbabwe National Early Learning Policy.

Mako Jerera

Government has intensified efforts to further improve the country’s learning curriculum by approving the Zimbabwe National Early Learning Policy.

Addressing a post cabinet media brief yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the policy aims to equip first time learners in early childhood development with critical skills for their wellbeing.

“Cabinet approved the policy which will strengthen and harmonise the implementation of infant education and ensure high-quality early learning programmes,” she said.

‘All children should access quality and inclusive early learning opportunities, in conducive environments.

“In 2014, Early Childhood Education was officially introduced into the formal school as part of the Infant School Module, with Primary school education becoming a 9-year course. The Infant School Module caters for learners in ECD A (4 years); ECD B (5 years); Grade 1 (6 years); and Grade 2 (7 years). The curriculum is learner-centred, and places emphasis on learner competencies rather than superficial knowledge thereby exposing learners to both hard and soft skills, which are requisite in solving problems.

“The Policy will be implemented over a 5-year period spanning 2023 to 2027, and is supported by a detailed and costed Implementation Plan,” she said.

The Government of Zimbabwe is signatory to several global commitments on education including United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2030 and Africa’s agenda 2063.

Of special mention is the SDG 4, target 4.2 that calls on state governments to ensure that by 2030, all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.