The End Of Education In Zimbabwe?

As British colonial rule ended thirty years ago in Zimbabwe, the new nation had among the best educational systems in Africa in which 96% of children attended school. Unfortunately, the dictatorial rule of Robert Mugabe has not only destroyed the nation’s economy and left over 90% of its population unemployed, but the school system has collapsed to the point where a generation of children may be denied any form of education.

The new “unity government” is desperately attempting to restore some semblance of stability by cutting school fees, but even paying $20 a semester is impossible for most parents. It is estimated thousands of teachers left with the three million refugees now in South Africa and many departed during last year’s election for president when Mugabe supporters attacked teachers who were attempting to present objective information to students.

The nation’s top university in Harare has been closed for a year and even lacks running water or decent toilets in its buildings. The university attempted to reopen in March but only 68 of its 12,000 students were able to pay full fees which are $300 a semester. The university is appealing to institutions throughout the world for aid in being able to resume its role as the top educational center of Zimbabwe society.

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Filed Under: Curriculum, Students, Teaching
Tagged: college closes, Zimbabwe education