In commemoration of the International Day of Education, the United Nations has urged the Zimbabwean government to address challenges that keep children of primary and lower secondary age out of school.
United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Representative, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale, said the commemoration provides momentum to review where the country stands in ensuring access to quality education for every child in the country and to listen to what children say about their right to education.
Dr Oyewale noted that despite the challenges, Zimbabwe is doing a commendable job in enrolling children at primary school level.
“On 24 January, the world celebrates the International Day of Education, dedicated this year to learning for lasting peace. The day provides a momentum to review where we stand in Zimbabwe on ensuring access to quality education for every child in the country and to listen to what children say about their right to education,” he said.
“We commend Zimbabwe for the high net enrollment ratio in primary school, with nine out of ten children of primary school age in school. However, only six children out of ten aged 3 to 5 are enrolled in pre-primary education, and an estimated half a million children of primary and lower secondary school age are out-of-school (MICS).”
Dr Oyewale said the data is a reminder to continue working together under the leadership of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to address the challenges that keep children out of school.
“In 2024 – for the first time ever – the African Union will dedicate the year to education. This offers an opportunity for the Government of Zimbabwe to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education for all, which includes turning the high-level commitments made at the Transforming Education Summit (2022) focused on education financing, foundational learning and inclusive learning, into concrete actions,” he said.
“A few weeks ago, Zimbabwe celebrated World Children’s Day in Beitbridge, where more than a thousand children highlighted the right to education for every child. In a survey conducted by UNICEF throughout Zimbabwe ahead of World Children’s Day, participating children mentioned education as their most important right. Most children said that in addition to being happy with their school, they are willing to be involved in the organisation of their school, turning their school into a Dream School.”
