ONE area that has separated Zimbabwe from other nations is its unrivalled education sector.
We have demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt as a nation that education is key to success.
We do not only talk about this issue as a mere refrain but a reality that we have successfully translated into meaningful and visible tangibles.
We have educated our people and exported those talents to other parts of the world.
We take pride in that.
We have done this with poise because we are aware that a sound education system is the foundation to the prosperity of any state.
But what do these achievements mean for our prospects for development as a nation?
Education, by its very nature, must equip students with skills that help them become active players in the political, economic and social spheres.
Education must empower them to contribute positively to the development and sustainable growth of the country.
They cannot and must not be bystanders and have others run their country.
I am a keen follower of developments in the education sector.
And I am glad that the process to prune off undesirable elements in the curriculum is progressing very well and without any hindrances.
I am confident that by the time the curriculum making process is finally complete, we will have in our system a document that defines us as Zimbabweans.
Already the curriculum now talks about the founding principles of our nation.
We have a curriculum that talks about our history, how we came to be and the obstacles we have had to surmount.
Our curriculum now speaks to the ideals, values and ideas behind the waging of the liberation struggle by the brave sons and daughters of the soil.
That recognition of the struggle is key in shaping our destiny.
President Robert Mugabe’s speech at the Third Education Conference and Expo 2017 raised fundamental points which must be embraced by all seized with the development of the country.
“The issue of sustainability is embedded in the new curriculum which fosters entrepreneurship.
“Entrepreneurship education and training is meant to inculcate abilities for learners, at all levels, with knowledge, values of hunhu/ubuntu, skills and appropriate motivation as well as to encourage entrepreneurial success in a variety of settings.
“Such education is important because learners will be able to transform innovative ideas into economic goods and services upon leaving school at the different exit points, the learners must have various fundamental skills,” said President Mugabe.
The education that we are putting in place is one that without doubt makes Zimbabweans employers not employees in their land of birth.
It will imbue, in learners, values of hard work, dedication and commitment to the motherland.
We will have citizens who are ready to defend their country and not pander to the desires of our enemies.
They will not be woodwinked into selling out their country.
We will have citizens who can stand proud alongside other nations and not feel small.
They will not be belittled by the so-called big brothers.
Ours will be innovative citizens proffering solutions and not waiting for the West to bring answers.
We will have local value systems that create opportunities for locally-driven industries, operated by locally acquired skills.
We hope to see more investments being made in the education sector.