The curtains fell on the third edition of the National Education Conference and Expo (NECE) last Friday, as participants urged for the implementation of conference resolutions into practical steps that foster significant improvements within the nation’s educational framework.
Under the theme “Transforming Education in Zimbabwe: Embracing Innovation and Excellence,” the conference offered an opportunity for participants to network, collaborate, and learn with the aim of enhancing educational methods and achievements.
The gathering assembled teachers, policy makers, and professionals from various industries across the nation. They exchanged expertise and viewpoints on contemporary developments and topics within education.
The guest of honor at the event was Education Minister Torerai Moyo, with other keynote speeches delivered by Ministers Tatenda Mavetera (Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services), Paul Mavima (Skills Audit and Development), and Frederick Shava (Higher and Tertiary Education).
Notable educator Tim Middleton, who serves as the consulate general of Zimbabwe in Israel along with Ronny Levi Musan and Sicelo Dube, who is the executive director at Elevate Trust, delivered speeches throughout the three-day symposium.
In his comments, Moyo stated that the nation’s educational framework continues to be among the most hopeful across the African continent.
“Our literacy rates continue to be amongst the highest on this continent,” he stated.
We keep advancing our curriculum improvement via the Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (CALA) and the incorporation of Information Communication Technology.
Nonetheless, we have to recognize that our educational framework encounters significant limitations.
Despite assigning 17.7% of the national budget to education in 2024, funding still falls short of the 20% target set by the Dakar Framework for Action, which hampers the education sector’s ability to tackle these issues adequately.
Moyo stated that the government is looking into methods to tackle the issues within the education sector.
“As part of our governmental efforts, we’ve initiated measures to tackle these deficiencies via focused school building projects outlined in the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP),” he stated.
Nevertheless, public resources are insufficient on their own.
This is precisely why one of the main objectives of this conference is to generate enthusiasm for new approaches to infrastructure development, such as public-private collaborations, community-led projects, and eco-friendly, weather-resistant school building.
We should reconceive infrastructure not merely as structures, but as learning spaces that ensure safety, dignity, and inclusivity for each Zimbabwean child.
Moyo stated that the event will be renamed as the National Education Summit of Zimbabwe beginning next year.
“This transformation seeks to establish our collaborative initiatives formally, turning NECE into the premier platform for yearly discussions on education policies, exhibitions of innovations, and strategic planning based on evidence,” he stated.
The summit will move from province to province, guaranteeing comprehensive national coverage and reinforcing that expanding Zimbabwe’s educational framework remains one of our top urgencies.
Alson Darikayi, the president of Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe, which organized the conference, stated that NECE has evolved into a key component of the nation’s educational events schedule.
“The conference keeps offering a platform where significant discussions can result in substantial transformations—not only for the present day, but also for future generations,” stated Darikayi.
Throughout our journey, we’ve realized that empowerment starts with investment—not only in students but also in the settings where education takes place.
One of our key initiatives involves collaborating with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to enhance facilities at both Runyararo Primary School and Runyararo Secondary School located in Caledonia.
This collaboration aims at improving water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, supplying cement and necessary materials for construction, and erecting additional school buildings to cater to the expanding number of students.
This vital project could not have been undertaken without the generous backing from our partners, who have remained steadfast in their support of our cause.
Darikayi acknowledged several entities such as the Innovate Institute, Solid Rock Academy, Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, and First Mutual Microfinance. Their support—be it through finance, technology, or guidance—had a direct positive effect on students and underprivileged communities.
He stated that starting small, NECE has evolved into a nationwide initiative, with every iteration of the gathering increasing in scale and influence. Zimbabwe now finds itself at a pivotal moment.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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