“Prioritise rural school in books distribution”- Teachers Unions

Leading teachers unions have implored Nest Hub textbooks publisher to prioritize on immediate distribution of the recently launched Heritage Based Curriculum text books in rural areas.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) and Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe weighed in calling for government to immediately engage the local publisher to facilitate a smooth distribution of textbooks.

Nest Hub a local textbook publisher last week announced that it had 300 000 Heritage Based Curriculum textbooks ready for distribution to schools dotted around the country.

In an interview, Zimbabwe Teachers Association Chief executive officer Dr Sifiso Ndlovu applauded Nest Hub’s recent book launch saying it was a great stride in promoting a healthy learning environment.

He said engagements need to be made with all stakeholders in the education sector to propel this initiative.

“As Zimta its a noble drive, Nest Hub is making the first step. “Engagements will be made on how these books will made available to schools and come out with a map that benefits both the publisher and learners,” said Dr Ndlovu.

During the Heritage Based Curriculum textbooks launch Nest Hub chief executive Mr Tapiwa Mbidzo revealed that at least 2. 8 million other text books are currently in production.

“We are working diligently to ensure that every school have access to these essential resources.
“Each page, each lesson has been designed to foster critical thinking, creativity and a deep appreciation,” said Mr Mbidzo.

Artuz spokesperson Mr Thembakhuye Moyo called for immediate engagement of government and the local publisher to craft a raft of measures that enhance an affordable payment of the textbooks.

Mr Moyo urged Nest Hub to take into consideration that there are six learning areas and 17 indigenous languages during their production exercise.

“To Nest Hub publisher, Artuz emphasizes that the majority of learners in public schools are in rural areas and it should be a priority once your textbooks are published,” said Mr Moyo.

He said Nest Hub should immediately engage government to get funding in the production of the textbooks.
“As ARTUZ we want to remind the publisher that the constitution talks of state funded education and as such the text books you are publishing it is the government that should pay for the textbooks.

“Once government pays it will make life easy for the rural learner who has little or no financial power to buy a copy,” he said.

Mr Moyo said for a massive production of the textbooks, Artuz is ready to work with Nest Hub.

During the launch Mr Mbidzo indicated that the objective of the program aims at investing in the holistic development of the country’s future leaders, thinkers and innovators.

“We believe that education should not only impart knowledge but also instill values foster national pride and prepare individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and integrity.

“Our Heritage Based Curriculum textbooks are designed precisely for this purpose,” he said.