The 2011 BZS Research Day, held in conjunction with the African Studies Centre, Oxford,
on 18^th June 2011, at St Antony’s College, Oxford, will be on the topic of
Education in Zimbabwe, past and present.

In June 2010, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) statistical digest confirmed that Zimbabwe has the highest literacy rate in Africa, with a 92% literacy rate. Zimbabwe has a proud history as a pioneer in pedagogy and in the 1980s was widely praised for its innovative rural teaching schemes, including the revolutionary ZimScience programme. Alongside academic excellence, Zimbabwe has an extensive network of training schemes and institutions, whose importance is growing as new farmers on resettled land need to acquire new skills. Yet in January 2011, the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) found that the costs of education were spiralling out of reach. This was not only in the private sector, but even for families in high-density suburbs. Meanwhile, the military plays an increasing role in both practical and political education, through the National Youth Training programme.
The 2011 Research Day will provide an opportunity for researchers, practitioners and anyone with an interest in Zimbabwe’s education to hear about the cutting-edge research and to contribute in the panels and from the floor. All welcome.

Topics cover many disciplines include history of education in Zimbabwe; science education for Zimbabwean conditions; contestations over journalism training; Theatre Education for peace; support for children with AIDS in schools and global links past and present.

International speakers include Professor Ngwabi Bhebe, Vice-Chancellor of Midlands State University, Dr Elaosi Vhurumuku (Wits Univ/Southern Africa GRASSMATES project), Dr Gerald Mazarire (History Dept, University of Zimbabwe), Blessing Makwambeni (Cape Peninsula University of Technology & Bruce  Mutsvairo (Amsterdam University College) and Dennis Sinyolo (Education International, Belgium).
Some of these speakers may also be available to speak on their work at other venues. Contact the convenor if you would like to invite a speaker to your local organisation.

The programme can be accessed at http://www.britain-zimbabwe.org.uk/bzs_researchday_2011.pdf

Conference convenor: Diana.Jeater@uwe.ac.uk
Registration: Marieke Clarke, mariekefclarke@pop3.poptel.org.uk

Registration fees: £30 standard; £20 BZS members; £10 unwaged & students.