File photo: Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murwira
By George Swarei
The Cabinet has greenlit the implementation plan for the Heritage-Based Education Curriculum, following its approval of the policy earlier this year. Spearheaded by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murwira, the plan aims to lay down the groundwork for integrating heritage into the education system.
Scheduled to kick off in May 2024, the plan is structured around five key pillars: Programmes/Curriculum infrastructure, Staffing or workforce infrastructure, Physical and digital infrastructure, Regulatory and legal infrastructure, and Financial infrastructure. Emphasizing inclusivity, the plan also incorporates a robust monitoring and evaluation system.
Under the curriculum infrastructure, efforts are underway to deliver a coherent and inclusive primary and secondary education experience. Key milestones include the printing and distribution of curriculum documents, ongoing unpacking of the Heritage-Based Curriculum Framework, and the review of learning area syllabi. Notably, assessment tools are also being refined to include a balanced approach, combining summative examinations with continuous assessment.
Pathways for learners are delineated based on their interests, with options spanning STEM, Visual and Performing Arts, Humanities, TVET, and Commercials. Teacher capacity development remains a priority, with workshops and training sessions slated for curriculum unpacking and implementation modalities.
Infrastructure provision, including classrooms, workshops, laboratories, and internet connectivity, is being ramped up to support the curriculum’s objectives by 2030. Meanwhile, a comprehensive review of legal and regulatory frameworks is underway, with a focus on establishing participatory structures for continuous refinement.
Financial backing is crucial for the success of the initiative, with the Treasury allocating 8% of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Budget towards the Heritage-Based Education Curriculum. This commitment underscores the government’s dedication to realizing the transformative goals of the education system.
As the implementation plan takes shape, stakeholders anticipate a paradigm shift in education, one that celebrates and preserves the nation’s rich heritage while equipping learners with the skills for a dynamic future.
