By Promise Dube
The Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZ) says local communities must play a central role in shaping the country’s education system, as it intensifies efforts to promote inclusive learning and digital literacy across the nation.
Formed in 2009, ECOZ brings together more than 70 member organisations operating in all ten provinces. The coalition uses a decentralised structure of provincial and district chapters to engage citizens directly, giving them a platform to influence education policy, implementation, and review.
“We work through provincial and district chapters in all provinces, each led by its own chair and secretariat,” said Wadzanayi Chitiga, ECOZ Programmes Manager.
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A pilot project running in 26 districts is being used to showcase how community-level organisations can shape education reforms from the ground up. The aim, Chitiga said, is to ensure that citizens’ views guide improvements in the sector.
ECOZ has forged partnerships with trade unions and civil society groups to advance issues such as gender equality and disability inclusion. In Bulawayo, the coalition collaborates with organisations like World Vision, which focuses on gender empowerment initiatives.
“World Vision is well established in Bulawayo and supports gender empowerment and community watch programmes,” Chitiga said.
Disability inclusion is a priority for the coalition, which continues to press for better learning access for students with disabilities. ECOZ also tracks government education budgets and advocates for increased funding to address critical gaps in the sector.
The coalition has introduced an ICT project in Umguza District, Nkayi, to equip learners and parents with digital skills while promoting online safety.
“We want to empower communities to help children develop digital skills, and to guide parents in protecting children when using devices,” Chitiga said.
ECOZ also focuses on teacher training, ensuring educators are prepared to meet the demands of a modern, technology-driven learning environment.
A recent milestone for the coalition was the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education’s launch of an anti-sexual harassment policy on 4 June, which ECOZ says reflects the impact of its joint advocacy efforts alongside other stakeholders, including student groups.
Chitiga welcomed government steps to address child-focused budgeting but said more could be done.
“We are pleased that children’s voices are being considered in ministry budgets, but as a country, we can still improve,” she said.
ECOZ remains committed to evidence-based advocacy, using research, citizen engagement and dialogue to inform its policy recommendations.
“We rely on facts, consultations and available data to get a clear picture of what is happening in the education space,” Chitiga said.
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