Addressing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality higher education, Transforming Zimbabwe, the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
- September 3, 2021
- Posted by: rsispostadmin
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VIII, August 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186
G. N. Shava, E Mathonsi, S Hleza, S Shonhiwa
National University of Science and Technology: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Abstract
Quality, sustainability and development is at the heart of higher education systems the world over. What takes place in the teaching and learning environments is fundamentally important to the well-being of the learners. Quality higher education seeks to provide for sustainable development and thus satisfies learning needs and enriches the lives of learners and their overall experience of living. Education for sustainable development just like quality in education, empowers learners to take informed decisions and responsible action for environmental integrity, economic viability and a just society, for present and future generations, while respecting cultural diversity. The aim of this article is to explore the complexity of raising higher education quality in Zimbabwe and suggesting strategies of strengthening quality, sustainability and development in higher education. Specific focus on the article is on sustainable development goal 4 which proposes that education quality is the key to achieving sustainable development and encouraging the integration of Education for sustainable development in teaching and learning.
Key words: Agenda 2030, Education for sustainable development, Higher education, Quality education, Transformation, Zimbabwe
Introduction
Since the achievement of independence in Zimbabwe, there has been enormous progress in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality higher education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. While Zimbabwe has managed to widen and deepen access to higher education, disparities exist in providing equal access to quality higher education. Achieving inclusive and quality higher education for all re-affirms the belief (Boereen, 2019) that higher education is one of the most powerful weapon and proper vehicle for achieving sustainable development. Quality education is one of 17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (WEF, 2011; Gabay, 2015; Boereen, 2019). Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) was a United Nations program that is defined as education that encourages changes in knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to enable a more sustainable and just society for all. In this article,
