Zimbabwe's teacher training colleges face sharp decline in male enrolment
Teacher training colleges across Zimbabwe are facing a worrying drop in male enrolment, with recent graduation figures revealing a stark gender imbalance that education analysts attribute to poor remuneration and waning interest in the profession among young men.
According to a brief report by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), the trend is becoming increasingly pronounced, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the education sector.
"We are grappling with the low enrollment and graduation of males in our Teachers Training Colleges. We are inviting your views on why male teachers are opting out of our noble profession," ARTUZ stated.
Recent graduation statistics paint a sobering picture:
| College | Total Graduates | Female Graduates | Male Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| United College of Education (UCE) | 505 | 464 | 41 |
| Hillside Teachers’ College | 325 | 227 | 98 |
| Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic | 242 (Primary + Sec) | 212 | 30 |
| Belvedere Teachers’ College | 672 | 514 | 158 |
| Seke Teachers’ College | 662 | 621 | 41 |
ARTUZ noted that the teaching profession is increasingly viewed as unattractive by young men, largely due to low salaries, limited career progression, and social perceptions that undervalue the role of educators.
The union is calling for public engagement to better understand the root causes and to explore strategies for restoring gender balance in teacher training institutions. Stakeholders warn that if the trend continues, it could lead to a shortage of male role models in schools and further strain an already challenged education system.
