THE MINISTER of State for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education and Vocational Training Josiah Hungwe says his ministry is still trying to find its feet four months after it was created.
LINDA CHINOBVA OWN CORRESPONDENT
President Robert Mugabe surprised all and sundry last year by creating a Pyschomotor portfolio when he announced his new Zanu PF only Cabinet after cohabiting in a shaky coalition government with the two MDC formations led by former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Welshman Ncube.
Hungwe told Southern Eye during a tour of the Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre in Bulawayo last week that his ministry was still looking for a starting point. Hungwe said his ministry still had no core staff although he expected some to start work from tomorrow.
“At the moment I have some people who are assisting me in the ministry, but I am expecting more employees to join the ministry on Monday.
“The ministry is touring all institutions that it focuses on as a first step and this will enable us to see how best we can fully deliver as a new ministry,” he said.
Hungwe said his ministry would ensure that there was a vocational, technical and commercial education reorientation in Zimbabwe as practical skills were lacking in the system.
“Technical skills remain limited on the part of our students ranging from early learning, primary, secondary and tertiary levels,” he said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The government has therefore decided to address the missing link through the new ministry together with the traditional primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors.”
He said although Zimbabwe had a high literacy rate, the graduates churned out by the country’s traditional system of education — the youths — were not able to contribute to the development of the country as they lacked the requisite skills.
“Hands and heads should meet if we are to be fully fledged educated citizens. An educated person is one who can make things happen not one with a chain of degrees,” he said.
Hungwe said many graduates remained unemployed because they had no skills and his ministry would be available to rescue them by providing them with necessary life skills.
“We are aware that the hiring industry is grounded and the new ministry is set to rescue this drowning industry by equipping youths with entrepreneurial skills to start businesses for themselves.” he said.
