(TALKZIMBABWE) Zim has highest literacy rate in Africa: UN

Zim has highest literacy rate in Africa: UN
By: TH-TZG
Posted: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 3:18 am

ZIMBABWE has the highest literacy rate in Africa, according to the latest United Nations study. The UNDP Statistical Digest shows Zimbabwe ahead of all African countries and taking over from Tunisia which held pole position for years with Zimbabwe second-best and number one in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Zimbabwe’s literacy level currently stands at 92 percent, up from 85 percent while Tunisia remains on 87 percent. This is despite the country’s education sector suffering from the effects of lack of funding blamed on illegal Western sanctions on Zimbabwe.

Commenting on the latest statistical data yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Dr Washington Mbizvo, attributed the increase in literacy levels to Government’s investment in education over the years.

He said Government had promoted conventional and open distance learning in its quest to achieve education for all.

"The latest statistical digest was published last month and shows our country surpassing all African countries.

"This is because we have been able to make all people access education including those in resettlement areas.

"Despite hardships, education facilities are present in most parts of the country," he said.

Dr Mbizvo said while infrastructure had deteriorated, the quality and the culture of education had improved.

"Zimbabweans have always been eager to learn," he said.

He also cited Government’s investment in teacher training colleges as another contributory factor to the increase in literacy levels.

"We have expanded the number of teachers’ colleges to 13 and we are producing 2 500 teachers per year.

"Other countries in Africa produce between 200 and 400 teachers annually on average.

"This has seen other countries like Namibia requesting us to train teachers for them and this shows that we are well-recognised on the continent," he said.

As a result, despite the exodus by teachers to countries that offered better pay, Zimbabwe still produces more skilled personnel that most other nations.