Zimbabwe removes mathematics requirement for minority language teacher trainees
Zimbabwe's government has exempted students specializing in minority indigenous languages from the mathematics prerequisite for secondary teacher training. This move, announced by Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Fredrick Shava, aims to boost the teaching of endangered local languages and will take effect from the first semester of 2026. Minister Shava stated that this special dispensation is part of the government's commitment to preserving minority languages. The announcement was made at Hillside Teachers’ College’s graduation ceremony, where the college also introduced ChiNambya to its curriculum, bringing its total indigenous language offerings to seven. Shava noted that students and lecturers are actively creating literature and pedagogical materials for these languages. Hillside Teachers’ College, known for its multilingual offerings, graduated 441 students this year, with male enrollment reaching 33.8%. Additionally, 48.4% of graduates specialized in STEM fields. The minister also highlighted the growth of the college's Work for Fees Programme, which now supports 63 students, and its income-generating projects, including a garment production unit, a bakery, and a government-funded madhumbe crisps factory.
