News / Education
'We need to do something to restore professionalism in the education sector ' says Coltart
22 Feb 2013 at 22:59hrs | Views
THE Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart said the public examinations pass rate can only improve if more resources are channelled to the education sector.
In an interview after officially launching the former Chronicle editor, Stephen Mpofu's book Creatures at the Top at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo on Thursday evening, Minister Coltart said the 18,4 percent Ordinary level 2012 pass rate was a sign that something needed to be done urgently.
Minister Coltart said there was need to avail more resources to the education sector if the pass rate is to improve.
"I appreciate Mpofu's contribution to education through his book and other work. We have been in a state of delusion and I have been speaking about this crisis for years but people have not been listening.
"The pass rate is not disastrous but we need to do something to restore professionalism in the education sector so that the pass rate can improve to say 25 percent," said Minister Coltart.
He said more resources should be directed towards the rehabilitation and development of education infrastructure to enable pupils to do practicals.
"The pass rate is low but remains one of the highest in 12 years and performance has been on the rise since 2007. Our problem is that our Ordinary level is designed for children with education aptitude, there is no practical orientation and we are not going to raise the pass rate to above 25 percent until we develop a system where we develop the other side of children's skills through vocational training," Minister Coltart said.
Earlier on, Minister Coltart had addressed scores of people drawn from journalists, businesspersons, artistes, educationists and Bulawayo residents, who had gathered to witness the launch Mpofu's book.
Minister Coltart commended the book as a vital cog in the newsroom as it reminded journalists of their roles.
"The book is important for three reasons. Firstly, it is outspoken on the journalists' role in the society to speak the truth and hold politicians to account. It also comes with a new dimension to our history, as a country and also breathes new life on the freedom of expression," he said.
Renowned historian and writer Mr Pathisa Nyathi said the book implores journalists to keep an eye on "creatures at the top".
"The strongest message to journalists is to know their responsibility of keeping creatures at the top under check," said Mr Nyathi.
Mpofu was elated after the launch of his third book and challenged journalists to be responsible and avoid being used by "creatures at the top".
In an interview after officially launching the former Chronicle editor, Stephen Mpofu's book Creatures at the Top at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo on Thursday evening, Minister Coltart said the 18,4 percent Ordinary level 2012 pass rate was a sign that something needed to be done urgently.
Minister Coltart said there was need to avail more resources to the education sector if the pass rate is to improve.
"I appreciate Mpofu's contribution to education through his book and other work. We have been in a state of delusion and I have been speaking about this crisis for years but people have not been listening.
"The pass rate is not disastrous but we need to do something to restore professionalism in the education sector so that the pass rate can improve to say 25 percent," said Minister Coltart.
He said more resources should be directed towards the rehabilitation and development of education infrastructure to enable pupils to do practicals.
Earlier on, Minister Coltart had addressed scores of people drawn from journalists, businesspersons, artistes, educationists and Bulawayo residents, who had gathered to witness the launch Mpofu's book.
Minister Coltart commended the book as a vital cog in the newsroom as it reminded journalists of their roles.
"The book is important for three reasons. Firstly, it is outspoken on the journalists' role in the society to speak the truth and hold politicians to account. It also comes with a new dimension to our history, as a country and also breathes new life on the freedom of expression," he said.
Renowned historian and writer Mr Pathisa Nyathi said the book implores journalists to keep an eye on "creatures at the top".
"The strongest message to journalists is to know their responsibility of keeping creatures at the top under check," said Mr Nyathi.
Mpofu was elated after the launch of his third book and challenged journalists to be responsible and avoid being used by "creatures at the top".
Source - TC
