VICE-PRESIDENT Joice Mujuru has urged the private sector to partner the government in resource mobilisation for the education sector, especially for the benefit of underprivileged children.
REPORT BY OBEY MANAYITI
Addressing guests at the launch of the Girl Child Scholarship Trust at Africa University in Mutare on Friday, Mujuru said the country could only maintain its high literacy rate if the private sector complemented government efforts in mobilisation of resources.
“Over the years, Zimbabwe has built a strong education system comparable to none in Africa,” she said.
“The education system includes more than 13 universities and colleges of higher education whose central objective is the provision of Higher Education, principally to Zimbabweans, but also to those of our friends across the continent.
“I call upon other universities in Zimbabwe and the rest of the continent to come up with similar initiatives. I also call upon individuals and the business community, the civic society and all development partners to emulate Africa University and join hands with government in developing the girl-child.
“I urge all organisations to cooperate and complement the national vision of the host government, in all developmental issues particularly those relating to the education of the girl child.”
Mujuru, who is the patron of the trust, pledged $10 000 to boost the trust’s coffers while other senior government officials and company representatives made various cash pledges.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Speaking at the same event, the university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Fanuel Tagwira commended the trust’s fund-raising initiative.
Africa University is the first private university in Zimbabwe that was commissioned 20 years ago. It has students from 29 African countries, most of whom are women.
Mujuru was accompanied by several Cabinet ministers among them acting Minister of Higher Education Ignatius Chombo, Minister of State in the President’s Office Didymus Mutasa and Agriculture minister Joseph Made.
