Pupils to learn foreign languages such as Swahili, Portuguese & Mandarin at school as part of new curriculum

Pupils will soon start learning foreign languages including Mandarin, Portuguese and Swahili from Form One in line with the new curriculum. According to the new curriculum, the development will prepare learners for life and work in a globalised environment.

Speaking to The Herald, Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive officer Mr Sifiso Ndlovu said teachers welcomed the introduction of foreign languages as they were going to empower pupils with relevant skills. However, Ndlovu said the major challenge was the shortage of human resources as teachers were capable of implementing the curriculum in its totality if resources were availed.

He also expressed concern over the high teacher/pupil ratio which he said was 1 teacher : 55 pupils for ECD A up to Grade 3 while junior school which has pupils from Grade 4 to 7, has 1:60. Ndlovu hopes that Government will address the issue.