Devolution Will Promote Education Pass Rates in Matabeleland

The debate on the high failure rate by students and schools in Matabeleland have been going on for years now. We at the Campaigners for Devolution are convinced most of the solutions currently being proffered to address the problem are piece meal solutions that may not totally eradicate the problem. It is our conviction that the high and embarrassing failure rate in Matabeleland is actually a clear sign for the need for devolution of power.

Devolution of Power will assist in improving access to education and improve pass rates in Matabeleland because: 1. It shall give provinces and districts power to design, develop and implement relevant policies and programmes of action that meet the learning and education needs of the specific communities of their areas,

2. It shall give provinces and districts fiscal power to generate funds and resources for improved funding of the education sector as well as for improving educational infrastructure,

3. It gives the local authorities power to monitor the teacher – pupil contact, speedily address the needs of learners and teachers through appropriate and relevant means and measures,

4. It gives the provinces power to identify key social, economic and cultural barriers to education and address them,

5. Local resources are used to eradicate poverty which is one of the key causes of high failure rate,

6. It gives local communities power and opportunity to effectively participate in education development,

7. Local authorities shall deploy competent teachers that understand local languages and cultures and who identify with the challenges faced by the students. The deployment of local teachers also serves as a motivator for students,

8. It enhances social accountability and transparency on the use of school funds, education funding and policy formulation and implementation,

9. Educational equity is promoted at the local level through policy and programmes of action,

10. It facilitates educational infrastructure development and acquisition of teaching and learning materials using local resources,

11. Provinces and districts can easily assess learners needs and develop relevant actions and programmes for the promotion of educational attainment,

12. Devolution will create employment in the region and this shall be one of the key motivators for education excellence.

We therefore call on all legislators and ministers from Matabeleland to remind the government that Chapter 14 of the Zimbabwe Constitution which provides for Devolution of Power has not been implemented and this is adversely affecting the region of Matabeleland educationally.

Mayibuye I – Devolution!

(….Devolution Now Campaign) CAMPAIGNERS FOR DEVOLUTION Email: devolutioncampaign@gmail.com