Abstract

Oliver Enos Mujuru

The paper examined the efficacy of all levels of education (primary, secondary, tertiary and higher) in enhancing community development with particular reference to the Zimbabwean experience. Primary education was perceived as the most important stage of development. It forms the foundation for all further education. It is the gateway to social cohesion, peace, harmony and development. Quality primary education is let down by long walking distances to school by rural pupils and under-funding of primary education. Secondary education refines the value of primary school education in the pursuit of community development. Investing in the secondary education of all people including females is a vital tool for poverty alleviation and reduction as well as economic development and promotion of women’s rights. Secondary education however appears to expose learners to more theory than practice. Higher and tertiary education prepares communities for coping for future disasters. Its graduates produce research to generate new ways of solving community problems. Higher and tertiary education tends to emphasise private benefits at the expense of public benefits. It also suffers from brain drain. The paper concludes that key is so central to all community development. It through education that long lasting community programmes will be realised.