Natalie Nyathi
Ministers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have pledged to make urgent reforms to improve literacy and numeracy in the region. This commitment was made during the SADC High-Level Ministerial Round Table Dialogue in Harare, highlighting the importance of education for reducing poverty, promoting gender equality, and supporting long-term economic growth.
At the dialogue, SADC Ministers pointed out that many children still lack basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr. Torerayi Moyo stressed the need for action, saying, “Millions of children still lack access to these basic skills. This dialogue is not merely a discussion; it is a call to action.”
Zimbabwe’s initiatives, like the Early Reading Initiative started in 2013 and the THRASS methodology for English literacy, were noted as positive steps. Minister Moyo called for more investment in teacher training and innovative ways to reach underserved communities, especially in rural areas.
Skills Audit and Development Minister Professor Paul Mavima echoed this urgency, stating, “Foundational literacy and numeracy are catalysts for poverty reduction.” He highlighted that these skills are vital not just for education but also for economic growth and gender equality.
Mavima praised successful programs in the region, such as teacher mentorship in Zambia and community-led initiatives in Malawi. He also called for better alignment of policies with the SADC Protocol on Education and Training and urged greater investment in teacher development.
As part of this regional commitment, Zimbabwe plans to sign the Women in Science Charter to promote gender equality in STEM fields. Minister Frederick Shava emphasized the importance of addressing the gender gap in science, stating that Zimbabwe is taking steps to support women in science and provide scholarships for girls.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba, highlighted the importance of foundational skills, linking them to economic growth and social participation. She urged member states to adopt evidence-based approaches and prioritize marginalized learners to ensure that no child is left behind.
The ministers concluded the roundtable with a commitment to implement national and regional reforms, emphasizing accountability through SADC mechanisms. This dialogue aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 and represents a united effort to transform education systems for sustainable development.
This commitment aims to improve educational outcomes and create a more skilled workforce that can drive the region’s economic growth in the future.