Education at all levels in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) develops, preserves and disseminates knowledge and skills that convey personal, economic and social benefits. The year 2016 saw the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education implementation of STEM education model as the new face of the curriculum. Education in Rural Communities is a national priority objective under the Zimbabwe National Strategic Objectives for education and development. Although Zimbabwe has tried devoting resources to address vast educational challenges, there is still lack of priority towards consolidation and improvement of both quality and quantity in STEM pedagogy. Chivi district, is a drought prone region that accommodates 10 High schools that Tugwi Trust has been working on for the past 15years. The district has not been an exception in not getting enough governmental support towards supporting science education. In Chivi South only one school out of the listed 10 has sciences at Advanced level. This has affected the performance of students to an extent of limiting their options towards arts and commercials. Science laboratories are not fully equipped with resources, there are no textbooks to support learning and no practical approaches to learning. Additionally, social challenges include; lack of hands-on training, STEM qualified teachers, books, high costs associated with maintenance, lack of funding opportunities, power shortages, non-fraternized subject combinations and infrastructural deficits.
Objective
To diversify student learning through the implementation of STEM education in rural schools and enhance knowledge, practice and quality of life by 2030 and to encourage 80% knowledge application, problem solving and innovative mindset through embracing the modern digital technologies.
