In the vibrant landscape of independent Zimbabwe in 1987, a dedicated group of visionaries came together to lay the foundation for what would become a beacon of educational excellence.
The dream was to establish a Christian-oriented, co-educational, and multicultural institution, and thus, the Gateway School Trust was born. In the subsequent year of 1988, Gateway School Trust gave life to Gateway Primary School, followed shortly by the establishment of Gateway High School three years later. The Gateway School Trust's vision did not stop at primary and secondary education; in 1993, they expanded their horizons to include a tertiary institution aimed at providing in-service staff development and teacher education programs.
This pivotal step was taken to mould educators who would not only embody the values of Gateway Schools but also leave an indelible mark on Zimbabwe's education landscape. And so, Gateway Christian Teachers' College (GCTC) was born, a bastion of educational prowess. Today, GCTC proudly stands at 61 Prices Road, Emerald Hill, Harare, Zimbabwe.
This year, 2023, Gateway Christian Teachers' College joyously celebrates its pearl jubilee, marking 30 years of unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
GCTC has secured its position as a registered teacher education college under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development. It is also an associate college of the Faculty of Education at the University of Zimbabwe, accredited to offer two esteemed education diplomas: the Diploma in Education in Early Childhood Development and the Diploma in Education (Primary). The bedrock of GCTC's success lies in its unwavering adherence to Christian principles, shaping graduates who are not only highly sought-after but also exemplify biblical values.
These graduates comprehend that their role extends beyond imparting knowledge; they are catalysts for positive and transformative change in their students' lives. From its humble beginnings, GCTC has proudly ushered 187 graduates into the noble profession of teaching.
To further enhance its offerings, GCTC is collaborating closely with its accrediting university to realign its teacher education curriculum with Education 5.0 through the UZ Vice Chancellor's Teacher Education Transformation Programme. This initiative aims to introduce programs that are not just relevant but also transformative in nature, echoing the dynamic changes in education.
But GCTC's reach extends far beyond teacher education. It is a proud associate of the Faculty of Sports Science at the National University of Science and Technology, where it offers a Diploma in Sports Coaching and Management. Notably, 191 sports coaches have graduated through GCTC's Sports department.
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The college actively collaborates with national sports associations, including Tennis Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Cricket, Zimbabwe Aquatics, Zimbabwe Rugby Union, and the National Association of Athletics, to organize coaching clinics periodically.
In recognition of the substantial number of high school leavers in Zimbabwe, GCTC has diversified its portfolio as a technical and vocational training institution. These school leavers seek accessible and reputable courses to gain employable skills or skills that will enable them to begin new ventures, paving their way towards successful careers. GCTC is looking forward to introducing programmes to equip school leavers with valuable skills not only for the job market but for self-employment too.
The foundational courses for school leavers will help bridge the skills gap in the country. Coupled with entrepreneurial skills, a culture of innovation and self-employment will be generated.
The importance of nurturing skilled and competent teachers cannot be overstated, and GCTC fully comprehends this. Parents and guardians increasingly emphasise the significance of quality education for their children's future, and competent teachers form the backbone of an effective education system. In response, GCTC provides in-service educator professional development through termly workshops. Furthermore, the college is proud to be licensed by Cambridge Assessment International Examination as a Cambridge Professional Development Qualification Centre, offering prestigious programs such as the Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning, the Cambridge International Diploma in Teaching and Learning, and the Cambridge International Certificate in Educational Leadership. GCTC also serves as an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Registration Centre.
As part of the 30th-year celebrations, GCTC launched its inaugural annual GCTC Teaching & Learning Conference. The event aimed to unite thought leaders from diverse fields, such as business, schools, universities, to connect, engage, and inspire each other to educate our youth with the future in mind. The theme of the conference was ‘Shaping the Future of Education’. The conference exposed teachers to the latest national and global thinking regarding trends in education. The success of the conference has led to preparations for the 2024 edition, with a theme centred around 'Re-imagining School Models and Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century’.
GCTC's programmes offer a valuable return on investment for students, enhancing their knowledge, skills, and character development. Graduates emerge well-prepared for successful careers, contributing to societal advancement and leading fulfilling lives. Their acquired skills increase their employability, opening doors to a wide range of opportunities, both in traditional employment settings and entrepreneurial ventures.
As GCTC continues to expand its programmes, it anticipates a surge in demand for skilled educators and professionals capable of addressing the evolving challenges of the education sector and other industries. This increased demand will not only translate into job opportunities for graduates but also foster a culture of self-employment, generating a positive cycle of economic and social impact.
Gateway Christian Teachers' College stands as a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence in education, and as it celebrates its 30th year, it looks forward to shaping the future of education for many more years to come.
