…as women dominate by over 80% of Masvingo Trs enrolment
Tanyaradzwa Tizora
A shocking disparity of females’ versus male trainee teachers was revealed during Masvingo Teachers College graduation ceremony recently, where it was said women trainees were 86percent of the total enrolment.
If the statistics are anything to go by, one will be forgiven to conclude that men are shunning the once sought after profession which in the past was dominated by men.
The total enrollment statistics show that the total number of 2022-2023 students stood at 1 739, with 1 496 females (86percent) against 243 males (14percent).
The Primary school section had a total number of 1 130 students where 1 065 females (94percent) and only 65 males (6percent).
The Secondary school section had a total number of 609 students with 439 being females (71percent) and 178 males (29percent).
Commenting on the disparity in enrollment statistics, Masvingo Teachers’ College Principal Benson Mutambudzi said something needed to be done or else the teaching fraternity would be dominated by women.
“It is worrying that teachers’ colleges enrollment statistics towards female students is becoming so glaring that if nothing is done, the teaching fraternity is going to be entirely occupied by women and that should pose a national concern,” said Mutambudzi.
A total of 676 students graduated at the College with 490 females graduating from the ECD and Junior course against 26 males and 117 females graduating from the Secondary Science Teacher Education Programme (STEP) against 43 males.
Mutambudzi said despite the disparity in enrollment statistics Masvingo Teachers College has enrolled its 6th Secondary Science Teacher Education Programme (STEP) setting it apart from the four colleges given a mandate to train Secondary Science teachers in 2018.
“Out of the four colleges given a mandate to train Secondary Science teachers in 2018, no one else is on the 6th intake yet except “Gango” (the institution’s nickname).In this area we lead and others follow,”added Mutambudzi.
