ISSN 2756-3383
Frontiers of Library, Information and Computer Sciences ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 2 (2), pp. 155-158, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals
Review
The value of education in community development in Zimbabwe
Oliver Enos Mujuru
Senior Lecturer, Department of Education at the Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe. E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 03 December, 2015
Abstract
The paper examined the efficacy of all levels of education (primary, secondary, tertiary and higher) in enhancing community development with particular reference to the Zimbabwean experience. Primary education was perceived as the most important stage of development. It forms the foundation for all further education. It is the gateway to social cohesion, peace, harmony and development. Quality primary education is let down by long walking distances to school by rural pupils and under-funding of primary education. Secondary education refines the value of primary school education in the pursuit of community development. Investing in the secondary education of all people including females is a vital tool for poverty alleviation and reduction as well as economic development and promotion of women’s rights. Secondary education however appears to expose learners to more theory than practice. Higher and tertiary education prepares communities for coping for future disasters. Its graduates produce research to generate new ways of solving community problems. Higher and tertiary education tends to emphasise private benefits at the expense of public benefits. It also suffers from brain drain. The paper concludes that key is so central to all community development. It through education that long lasting community programmes will be realised.
Key words: Education, primary education, secondary education, higher education, tertiary education, and community development.