Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke-Herald Reporter
The Second Republic’s Education 5.0 initiative is proving to be a transformative force in rural development, with university students recently showcasing their creativity and cultural pride in a competition for model rural homestead designs.
Often farm houses just grow as rooms are added in good years, with no original or central design, and the competition was designed to provide functional and useful designs, even if the homestead is built in stages.
This event highlighted innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural communities, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing living conditions.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Housing Services and Social Amenities Minister Soda Zhemu emphasized the alignment of the competition with the ministry’s mission.
“The competition’s objectives resonate well with our core values of innovativeness, environmental flexibility and accountability as we integrate rural housing designs into the construction landscape.”
Minister Zhemu praised the initiative as a critical step towards addressing developmental issues in rural areas, stating that it underscored the Ministry’s efforts to improve living standards.
The competition not only showcased Zimbabwean talent, but also reinforced the goals of the 5.0 Heritage-based education system, which aims to cultivate skills that extend beyond mere certification.
“This competition is a vital step toward fostering meaningful private-public partnerships for sustainable rural housing development.”
The event provided students with invaluable experience and exposure to the architectural field, shaping the next generation of professionals.
Historian Mr Arnold Nkala stressed the importance of designing rural settlements that resonate with the cultural trends and norms of the communities they serve.
“This adherence ensures that developments reflect the values and traditions of the residents, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.”
He advocated the incorporation of local architectural styles, traditional materials, and cultural motifs to enhance community connections to their heritage.
Among the participants whose designs stood out was Miss Ntombiyehlile Ncube from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), who focused her design on highlighting Ndebele culture using modern technologies.
“My goal was to emphasize the traditional aspects of the Nguni culture, which are gradually fading due to cultural erosion. I captured the circular shapes, patterns, and the arrangement of cattle kraals, while also incorporating solar panels and biogas as renewable energy sources.”
Another participant, Miss Tatenda Mudyanadzo from the University of Zimbabwe said her design was inspired by her ancestral home in Manicaland.
“The competition enhanced my skills by providing practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. My design reflects the culture and traditions of my people while incorporating elements that will uplift rural settlements in the future.”
The competition not only showcased the best of Zimbabwean talent, but also highlighted a collective commitment to improving the lives of those in rural communities.
As the Education 5.0 initiative continues to flourish, it promises to pave the way for innovative solutions that honour cultural heritage while addressing modern challenges.
