Moffat Mungazi
AS we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it has become increasingly clear that education is the cornerstone upon which the future of any nation is built.
In order to remain competitive in an ever-evolving global landscape, it is imperative that we prioritise investments in our educational institutions.
A well-educated population is the backbone of any thriving economy, and it is through education that we can equip future generations with the skills, knowledge, and critical thinking abilities necessary to drive innovation and progress.
Moreover, education has the power to break cycles of poverty, foster social mobility, and promote social cohesion.
Despite the importance of education, many of our educational institutions are woefully underfunded and under-resourced.
Classrooms are overcrowded, and learners lack access to the technology and resources they need to succeed.
The state of some educational institutions in Manicaland and Zimbabwe at large is a cause for concern, as learners are being subjected to overcrowding, inadequate resources, and poor learning conditions.
One of the most striking aspects of this crisis is the sheer number of learners at provincial academic giants packed into classrooms and dormitories, reminiscent of sardines crammed into a tiny can.
This phenomenon, not only undermines the quality of education, but also poses serious health risks to the learners.
In many schools, classrooms are overcrowded, with learners literary sitting on top of each other, sharing desks, and struggling to get the attention of their teachers.
This chaotic learning environment makes it challenging for learners to focus, absorb information, and participate in class discussions. The lack of personal space and privacy takes a toll on learners’ mental health, leading to increased stress levels, anxiety, and decreased motivation.
The situation is equally dire in dormitories, where learners are also massed together, with little regard for their comfort, safety, or well-being. The overcrowding creates an ideal breeding ground for diseases, as learners are forced to share limited facilities, including toilets, showers, and sleeping quarters.
This unsanitary environment puts learners at risk of contracting illnesses, which can have long-term consequences on their health and academic performance. Furthermore, the overcrowding in classrooms and dormitories makes it difficult for teachers to maintain a healthy teacher-learner ratio. This ratio is critical in ensuring that learners receive individualised attention, guidance, and support from their teachers.
When classrooms are overcrowded, teachers are forced to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, which can lead to learners falling behind or disengaging from the learning process.
Maintaining a healthy teacher-learner ratio is essential for several reasons.
It enables teachers to provide personalised attention to learners, which helps to identify and address learning difficulties, gaps in understanding, and other challenges.
It fosters a positive and supportive learning environment, where learners feel valued, motivated, and encouraged to participate. It also allows teachers to develop meaningful relationships with their learners, which is critical in building trust, promoting social-emotional learning, and enhancing academic achievement.
To address the crisis of overcrowding in our country’s educational institutions, Government, responsible authorities, educators, and stakeholders must work together to develop and implement sustainable solutions. This may involve investing in infrastructure development, recruiting more teachers, and implementing policies to manage learner enrolment and population growth.
There is a need to prioritise teacher training and development to ensure that teachers are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources required to manage overcrowded classrooms and provide high-quality instruction.
This may involve providing teachers with ongoing professional development opportunities, mentoring, and coaching, as well as incentivising them to work in challenging environments.
Investing in education is not merely a moral imperative; it is also a sound economic strategy.
Every dollar invested in education generates a significant return in the form of increased economic productivity, reduced poverty and crime, and improved health outcomes.
Investments in education also have the potential to drive social change and promote equality.
By providing access to quality education, we can empower marginalised communities, promote social justice, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
The need for increased investments in educational institutions cannot be overstated. It is our collective responsibility to prioritise education and ensure that our schools and universities have the resources they need to provide learners and students with a world-class education. By doing so, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.
