Zimbabwe: From Education Reform to Political Instability

Abstract

Education in Zimbabwe, as in other developing countries, is regarded as central and critical in the political, economic and social development of the country. Over the years, from the pre- to the post-independence era, the state of the education system has seen major changes following similar changes in the political landscape of the country. This chapter discusses, first, the historical and political background of the country focusing especially on the provision of education during the colonial era in the country. This background is important as it provides a basis for understanding policy changes in education put in place at independence and developments during the first two decades after independence. The rest of the chapter focuses on the current status of the education system resulting from the country's politico-economic developments over the last decade.