Malakia Nashongo

Inadequate resources in schools offering pre-vocational studies is hampering the execution of the curriculum reform, the minister of education Anna Nghipondoka revealed.

Despite the challenge at hand, schools are doing their level best to ensure that learners are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Moving on, she said the ministry will expand pre-vocational subjects to more schools or either concentrate on equipping schools that are already offering pre-vocational subjects.

“We are realising that we really need more and more equipment to make practical learning possible for these children, to ensure that when they leave school, they are well prepared to be both employers or self-employed or be able to comfortably continue to institutions of high learning and further their studies,” explained Nghipondoka.

The minister made the revelations after visiting Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Okatana and Mweshipandeka secondary schools in Oshana region.

The Minister also urged parents to refrain from associating pre-vocational with slow learners but instead encouraged learners to take up pre-vocational studies and to follow their dreams and passion. 

“Pre-vocational fields of study are not for slow learners, they are for any child who have got the talent and interest to do pre-vocational,” Nghipondoka said. 

She added that the ministry will continue to expand the vocational field to ensure that these learners are able to pursue their dreams at vocational training centres and universities.