Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Second Republic’s Education 5.0 Model has received massive buy-in from Kwekwe Polytechnic College where students are coming up with various innovations to address society’s industrial needs.
The institution, located in the mineral-rich Midlands province, has witnessed students creating innovations to address challenges in the sector through designing a low-cost artisanal mining hoist and a gold concentrator, among other inventions.
The students have also created innovations for the agriculture sector while those in the building and engineering sectors are now practicing their skills on commercial properties.
A student said, “I am excited that I now have the skills to produce this stockfeed machine. The machine is good as it can be used in communities with no electricity. I can as well start using my innovation to do my own stock feeds and do chicken rearing as we have leant a lot related to agriculture.”
“We have learnt a lot through this Education 5.0 model. I can safely say that I am now equipped to face the world even with no employment. The knowledge and skills gained here will certainly be vital as I move into the future,” added another student.
The government is impressed by the implementation of the heritage-based learning which dovetails with the country’s National Development Strategy One.
“Under the Second Republic’s Education 5.0 philosophy innovation hubs and industrial parks have changed the industrial landscape of the country with impactful trademark projects successfully implemented following the re-configuration of higher and tertiary sectors,” said Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube.
Meanwhile, Honourable Ncube witnessed the retirement ceremony for Kwekwe Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Patricia Mapanda who leaves the public service after 45 years of service.
