Maths And Science Could Soon Be Taught In Shona And Ndebele

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo says his ministry is putting together a plan to have subjects like Mathematics and Science taught in local languages instead of English.

Speaking in the Senate recently, Moyo explained that in countries such as China, teaching in local languages and this helps learners grasp concepts more easily.

He was responding to a question from Senator Chief Nechombo, who had asked about government policy on teaching subjects such as Science, Geography, and Accounts in local languages. Said Moyo:

In the National Assembly, there was such a motion in line with such a question. My response was that, at the moment, we do not have such a programme but we are working on documentation to submit to Cabinet.

For such a programme to be put in place, it is supposed to be a directive from the Cabinet.

So, if we can get such a recommendation from the Senate and National Assembly, recommending Mathematics be taught in Shona, Physics be taught in Kalanga or vernacular, that will help them pass.

The reason why sometimes they do not pass at 100% is that they are taught those subjects in English. Maybe they may not be able to understand those languages.

The reason why in China learners quickly pass is that they are taught in Chinese from ECD to university.

My request is, may Senators put such request and recommendations. It will be made as a recommendation for a Bill so that it goes all the way to the President to sign.

It is a very brilliant idea and I think that will be a good starting point.

Related:

Minister Rejects Proposal To Make English, Shona And Ndebele Compulsory In All Schools Maths no longer required to train as indigenous language teacher