University probes 0% pass rates in schools

Lupane State University (LSU) has been engaged by the Government to conduct research that will establish why some schools record zero pass rates.

A number of rural schools, particularly those in remote areas have for years been recording zero pass rates in public examinations.

Responding to questions in the Senate Question and Answer session last Thursday, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Edgar Moyo said: "The issue of zero percent pass rates in our schools is very much concerning. There are a number of variables. We have carried out some research and investigations as to why there is that prevalence. The question really says, what are we doing about it?

"We are currently in partnership with LSU, with their Department of Education. They have conducted research on the possible reasons and solutions to address that problem. Some of the problems are beyond the capacity of schools to address and require a national effort especially when we look at the issue of infrastructure, resources at their disposal, and human resources, teachers for example."

He said the Government has conducted capacity building workshops in trying to improve pass rates in schools.

Deputy Minister Moyo said resource constraints hampers the ministry's efforts to address the problem.

"Some of the schools have as few as three to four teachers running nine classes from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade Seven. Then you have composite classes to that situation. Honestly, the quality of education in that environment is seriously compromised. So, we need to have viable schools," said Deputy Minister Moyo.

"What do we mean by viable schools? We need schools with sufficient enrolments so as to attract a good number of teachers to teach each class of their own, but that is not happening because some schools have such low enrolments as 30 to 35 and so forth, particularly in the resettlement areas."

He said there is also a need to upgrade infrastructure in schools to address the issue of zero pass rates.

Deputy Minister Moyo said Government has also engaged development partners to improve the resourcing of schools.

"The schools are also receiving grants from our partners which we call School Improvement Grants (SIG) so that resources like books and other requisite equipment are procured for the benefit of those children," said Deputy Minister Moyo.

"Now, if a school is not viable as already illustrated, it means that the school is not registered and it cannot have a substantive head and we have a teacher-in-charge of that particular school.

"The quality of education there becomes a problem.

"We are trying to build infrastructure, register those schools, attract sufficient teachers and students so that we can address the issue of zero percent pass rate."

He said it was the ministry's thrust to ensure the issue of zero pass rates is eradicated.