Education Minister Torerayi Moyo addresses Zimbabwe's brain drain

Zimbabwe's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, recently highlighted the successes and challenges facing the education sector in the country during an interview with CNBC Africa. Moyo emphasized the high literacy rate in Zimbabwe, which stands above 94%, making it one of the best systems in Africa. The Minister also addressed the ongoing prioritization of education at the African Union Summit, focusing on the importance of preparing African youth for the demands of the 21st century. Moyo acknowledged the myriad challenges facing education in Africa, including shortages of schools, high student-to-teacher ratios, and insufficient education financing in many countries on the continent. He emphasized the need for foundational learning and basic literacy skills for all children, as a crucial step towards addressing these challenges. Moyo also commended the African Union for organizing the summit to encourage African governments to prioritize education and address these critical issues. Despite the high literacy rate in Zimbabwe, Moyo acknowledged the need for improvement and innovation in the country's education system. He highlighted ongoing efforts to review the curriculum and identify marginalized learners who have not received adequate educational opportunities. Moyo emphasized the government's initiatives to support underprivileged students, such as the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) and tuition grants. In districts like Gokwe North, where poverty rates are high, the government has introduced grant-in-aid programs to ensure that primary and secondary school students receive education without facing financial barriers. The Minister underscored Zimbabwe's innovative approach to addressing educational challenges and called for collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of education across the country. Moyo also highlighted the positive relationship between Zimbabwe and neighboring South Africa, where students from both countries benefit from cross-border educational opportunities. The Minister's insights shed light on the complexities and opportunities within Zimbabwe's education sector, underscoring the importance of inclusive and equitable education for all children in the country.