A little about education in rural zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has the highest adult literacy rate in Africa (90%). The country with the second highest adult literacy rate, Tunisia, is at 87%. Zimbabwe considers education a basic human right. However, although public education is 'free' the fees associated with enrollment and other activities are very high. This, along with worsening economic conditions, presents special challenges to students, especially those in rural Zimbabwe.
UNICEF is actively involved in making education more accessible for orphans and vulnerable children. However, most all rural children face big challenges of access to books and other materials we take for granted. Through this project we seek to help students in two Zimbabwean provinces with books and other supplies. In time we would like to be able to do this for any deserving kids in any rural area.
Some interesting facts about schooling in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwean academic year is composed of three 'terms' and it runs from January through December. Each term has about 13.5 weeks and they are separated by one month holidays.
Primary (Grade 1 to 7) school is for kids aged six to 13. Primary schools offer up to 13 different subjects (courses), based on resources. Schools with fewer resources offer fewer subjects.
Secondary (Form 1 to 4) school is for 13 to 16 year olds. Students take "O" Level exams at the end of their Form 4. Typical subjects offered at most schools include
Sciences: Biology, Mathematics, Integrated Sciences, Physics and Chemistry.
Liberal Arts: English Literature, Religious Studies, History and Geography
Languages: Shona, Ndebele, English, French,, German and Latin
Commercial Subjects: Commerce, Economics, Computer Studies and Accounts.
Practical Subjects: Woodwork, Metalwork, Agriculture, Technical Drawing, Fashion and Fabrics and Food and Nutrition.
A pass in 5 'O' Level subjects is usually good for vocational training.
Advanced level (Form 5 and 6 or Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth Form) is University prep. Courses taken at this level are equivalent to freshman courses at most US and Canadian Universities.
Most tertiary (higher) educational institutions in Zimbabwe require Upper Sixth Level (Form 6) preparation.
More information about the Zimbabwean education system can be found here and here.
UNICEF is actively involved in making education more accessible for orphans and vulnerable children. However, most all rural children face big challenges of access to books and other materials we take for granted. Through this project we seek to help students in two Zimbabwean provinces with books and other supplies. In time we would like to be able to do this for any deserving kids in any rural area.
Some interesting facts about schooling in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwean academic year is composed of three 'terms' and it runs from January through December. Each term has about 13.5 weeks and they are separated by one month holidays.
Primary (Grade 1 to 7) school is for kids aged six to 13. Primary schools offer up to 13 different subjects (courses), based on resources. Schools with fewer resources offer fewer subjects.
Secondary (Form 1 to 4) school is for 13 to 16 year olds. Students take "O" Level exams at the end of their Form 4. Typical subjects offered at most schools include
Sciences: Biology, Mathematics, Integrated Sciences, Physics and Chemistry.
Liberal Arts: English Literature, Religious Studies, History and Geography
Languages: Shona, Ndebele, English, French,, German and Latin
Commercial Subjects: Commerce, Economics, Computer Studies and Accounts.
Practical Subjects: Woodwork, Metalwork, Agriculture, Technical Drawing, Fashion and Fabrics and Food and Nutrition.
A pass in 5 'O' Level subjects is usually good for vocational training.
Advanced level (Form 5 and 6 or Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth Form) is University prep. Courses taken at this level are equivalent to freshman courses at most US and Canadian Universities.
Most tertiary (higher) educational institutions in Zimbabwe require Upper Sixth Level (Form 6) preparation.
More information about the Zimbabwean education system can be found here and here.