Corporate Foreign Policy
By Sam AmsterdamÂ
25 January 2012
Zimbabwe Minister of Education David Coltart is unequivocally on a mission. And his mission is particularly unique here in Zim – it is supported on both (if not more) sides of the proverbial aisle.
It is common knowledge that education is a pillar of infrastructural stability, allowing a nation and its respective citizenry to develop and thrive. Education turns aspiration to talent, fosters it and allows it to give back through implementing an acquired skill at home, ultimately equating to a nation sustainably developing.
Yet after the turmoil of 2008, one would have all but written off the former breadbasket of Africa regarding its developmental potential. David Coltart is out to prove those naysayers wrong.
Aside from an unprecedented 15 million textbook initiative brought about with support of UNICEF to Zimbabwe’s students, allowing the ratio of student to textbook to hit 1:1, he champions the push to increase teacher salaries at the incremental level. This applies to a specific funding initiative for those working in remote areas of Zimbabwe, understanding that talent doesn’t necessary only reside in Harare, Bulawayo, Hwange or Victoria Falls and that one should honor their sacrifice to work in remote areas.
With regard to sport, it is understood to have a particularly profound ‘binding’ effect on a populous and to further promote pride and lure back those who seek greener pastures overseas, the Minister aims to return test cricket (particularly England v. Zim at home), soccer and rugby in full to the nation.
Minister Coltart will be speaking over the course of the next few days at the African Brains summit in Victoria Falls. We will be reporting live from the scene, as the event undoubtedly will shine a spotlight on a continent abundant with opportunity (7 out of the top 10 countries projected to grow significantly this year are in Africa) and even more so on a generation that will turn opportunity in to tangible progression.