Government to Reintroduce Development Grant and Work-for-Study Programme for Tertiary Institutions

Government to Reintroduce Development Grant and Work-for-Study Programme for Tertiary Institutions After 8-Year Suspension

The government has announced plans to reintroduce the Development Grant Programme for tertiary institutions, a key funding initiative that was suspended in 2016.

The programme aims to strengthen institutional capacity, support innovation, and enhance community engagement across colleges and universities.

Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Honourable Simelisizwe Sibanda, confirmed the move during the Mogenster Teachers College graduation ceremony in Masvingo on Wednesday.

“As government, we are actively working to resuscitate the Development Grant Programme which ceased in 2016. The initiative is expected to strengthen institutional capacity and expand community impact.
Next year again, the government will support tertiary institutions to intensify the work-for-study programmes,” said Hon. Sibanda.

He added that tertiary institutions would soon begin offering short community-based courses in agriculture, home management, and career guidance, among other fields.

Also Read: Deputy Minister Sibanda Reaffirms Govt’s Commitment to Advancing STEM Education in Tertiary Institutions

Over 200 Teachers Graduate at Mogenster Teachers College

The announcement coincided with the graduation of over 200 primary school teachers at Mogenster Teachers College, who completed general and early childhood education courses.

The college, known for its inclusive education model, has integrated disability awareness and support into its learning system and currently supports 33 differently abled students.

Graduates Embrace Innovation and Community Impact

Graduates praised the government and the institution for nurturing a culture of creativity, innovation, and community development.

“We want to thank the government for introducing innovation in our learning. As teachers, we are looking forward to ensuring our future generations become innovative by coming up with products that assist our communities,” said one graduate.

The graduation ceremony ran under the theme “Leveraging Innovative Practices in Teacher Education for Sustainable Commercialisation.”