Cabinet last week approved a two-pronged teaching approach aimed at profit-making and academic excellence in schools.
This will be done through the commercialisation of practical subjects in schools through fostering joint ventures with private investors.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
The Ministry (of Primary and Secondary Education) will promote commercial ventures in schools through the use of land and space available to schools.
The public schools will engage in commercial activities through fostering joint ventures with private investors.
A business development unit will be established at the Ministry’s head office to supervise, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the schools’ commercial venture project.
… It also seeks to increase uptake and application of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
Other areas of focus entail improving research, development and innovation; vocational skills and entrepreneurship among the youth and citizens and access to affordable quality education.
Practical subjects include metalwork, building, agriculture, fashion and woodwork.
Speaking on Sunday, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema said proceeds of these commercial ventures will be used to fund programmes at schools and relieve parents of the burden of paying fees.