Zimbabwe Early Learning Policy (ZELP) launched

Zimbabwe Early Learning Policy (ZELP) launched

The Government has today launched the Zimbabwe Early Learning Policy (ZELP) whose aim seeks to improve the nation’s educational background and foundation.

Launching the policy, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Angeline Gata, said the policy is the first indicator of the country’s commitment to both the United Nations transforming education summit recommendations and the Tashkent Declaration on the provision of early education globally.

The policy, she said, will ensure that every child in Zimbabwe accesses equitable, quality, inclusive, affordable and relevant foundational learning.

The launch means early childhood learning will now start at the age of four.

UNICEF’s education specialist, Ms Clara Mulamba, reaffirmed the developmental partner’s commitment towards supporting the government in constructing more learning institutions in the country.

Among the traits of the blueprint, the country seeks to reduce the distance walked by early learners to five kilometres.

The ministry’s public relations director, Mr Taungana Ndoro said the country had a current deficit of at least 2000 schools countrywide.

In 2023, the Cabinet approved the early learning policy

CABINET has approved the Zimbabwe Early Learning Policy.

The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murwira, as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Human Capital Development, Skills Audit and Employment Creation, briefed the Cabinet on the Zimbabwe National Early Learning Policy on 19 April 2023.

The policy is aimed at strengthening and harmonising the implementation of infant education and ensuring high-quality early learning programmes.

All children should access quality and inclusive early learning opportunities, in conducive environments.

In 2014, Early Childhood Education was officially introduced into the formal school as part of the Infant School Module, with Primary school education becoming a 9-year course.

The Infant School Module caters for learners in ECD A (4 years); ECD B (5 years); Grade 1 (6 years); and Grade 2 (7 years). The curriculum is learner-centred, and places emphasis on learner competencies rather than superficial knowledge thereby exposing learners to both hard and soft skills, which are requisite in solving problems.

“Given the above learner-centred thrust being pursued, the Policy aims at attaining the following objectives: guaranteeing that all children learn in a healthy, safe and child-friendly environment; strengthening the governance and coordination of the Infant School Module; mobilising of resources for increased allocation and prudent management of resources; enhancing the quality of early learning services for improved learning outcomes; and building the capacity of families and local communities to support early learning activities,” said Prof Murwira.

The Policy will be implemented over 5 years spanning 2023 to 2027, and is supported by a detailed and costed Implementation Plan.