Our massive failure with education

Every time one looks at the unemployment problem, it seems to come back to education. We would all like to see people employed, but if they are virtually illiterate, where are they employable?

Why the government ever got rid of all the experienced teachers when they took over, heaven alone knows. They have ended up with a population of younger people, who are desperate for jobs, but only a set number are employable on the roads, construction sites, in gardens and kitchens. Eventually employers are looking for skills of some sort, and these are not available.

Government is totally responsible for this situation by wasting money, and stealing even more – which could have been used in a massive push for literacy.

At least once youngsters are able to read and write, they will have the tools to go further, if they wish to educate themselves. But too many are locked in a culture of ignorance, where their only hope is to have a relation or friend who can give them a job. Not good enough.

One can criticise Robert Mugabe, but he spent way more on education than the World Bank felt was needed. That is why so many Zimbabweans are employed in this country when our locals are not.

And as for the general level of teachers, what can one say? It seems that when they are not striking or absent, they spend their time abusing the children. Selfishness. All “what’s in it for me”. Service is just a dirty word, but that is something we all need to keep in mind. We are here to serve each other and make this a better country, not to exploit and enrich ourselves.

Clive Scott

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