News / National
Qualified science teacher shortage hit Matabeleland South
13 Feb 2016 at 18:17hrs | Views
The shortage of qualified science teachers in Matabeleland South province remains a major impediment in the learning of sciences despite continued efforts to invest in state-of-the-art laboratories in rural schools.
Following growing concerns that children in the province were being denied the opportunity to pursue science related studies at A-level due to lack of laboratories in most rural schools, the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Scheme constructed and equipped state-of-the-art labs at five schools in the district.
The decision was meant to promote the learning and teaching of sciences in the province.
However, there are fears that the investment will be hollow if the schools continue to face shortages of science teachers.
Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage Minister Cde Abednigo Ncube says if the problem is not addressed the province will continue to churn out arts students who do not respond to the needs of the economy.
The provincial education director Mrs Tumisang Tabela says the province has a 50 percent vacancy rate for science teachers, but the government is making efforts to address the acute shortage of staff, particularly in the areas of physics, biology and chemistry.
Apart from the construction of science labs in Gwanda, Bulilima district will this year invest in state-of-the-arts labs in 14 schools.
The developments are in line with government thrust to promote the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Following growing concerns that children in the province were being denied the opportunity to pursue science related studies at A-level due to lack of laboratories in most rural schools, the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Scheme constructed and equipped state-of-the-art labs at five schools in the district.
The decision was meant to promote the learning and teaching of sciences in the province.
However, there are fears that the investment will be hollow if the schools continue to face shortages of science teachers.
Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage Minister Cde Abednigo Ncube says if the problem is not addressed the province will continue to churn out arts students who do not respond to the needs of the economy.
The provincial education director Mrs Tumisang Tabela says the province has a 50 percent vacancy rate for science teachers, but the government is making efforts to address the acute shortage of staff, particularly in the areas of physics, biology and chemistry.
Apart from the construction of science labs in Gwanda, Bulilima district will this year invest in state-of-the-arts labs in 14 schools.
The developments are in line with government thrust to promote the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Source - ZBC
