Robotics, coding set to be core courses in primary school
ROBOTICS and software coding will be introduced as core courses in primary schools as part of interventions to provide students with necessary skills in light of the rapidly advancing field of technology, Information Communication Technology and Postal Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said yesterday.
Since technologies such as drones, robotics and artificial intelligence are becoming commonplace in daily life worldwide, experts see it as critical to develop real-world technology-focused educational opportunities that will enable young people to participate, learn, and take leadership roles in these fields.
Speaking at the ICT 2024 summit in Harare yesterday, Minister Mavetera said the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry and her Ministry would launch coding and robotics in primary schools in three months time.
“The scheme will be implemented in three months, but we are still in the final stages of negotiations with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education,” she said.
“Students will be better equipped to solve issues, think critically, collaborate and creatively, operate in a digital and information-driven environment, apply digital and ICT skills, and apply these abilities to address everyday problems if robotics and coding are mainstreamed into the school curriculum,” she said.
“With the country reaching the end of the National Development Strategy 1 it is of paramount importance that we fast track the implementation of robotic and coding at schools and help solve societal challenges, and help in the creation of smart cities.”
Minister Mavetera said her ministry will start by training 100 teachers in robotics and coding.
“We are starting with a pilot project with training 100 teachers across the country that will help in teaching learners and also capacitate the teachers,” she said.
Econet chief executive Dr Douglas Mboweni said private businesses are not there to fight the Government, but to complement them.
“Our role as private players is not to fight the Government, but to complement their efforts. For Zimbabwe to become one of the big five countries, I call upon private players to complement all Government efforts and engage in cooperation that develops the nation,” he said.
“There is need for private players to implement cross cutting themes of Vision 2030 and start thinking of building a better village a better tomorrow that is built by us the citizens through investment in robotics and coding at primary levels.”