Hello my readers. Apologies for posting this interview at this time of the week. I know you have been anticipating the scholar for the week. I am excited just as you are to showcase our scholar for the week. Guess what, this time I went all the way to Zimbabwe to get you an international scholar. Won’t you give me kudos for that? Or don’t you think I deserve some accolades for that effort?
So, I present to you Taruvinga Lament Magwiroto, all the way from Zimbabwe. Taruvinga’s story is one that talks about determination despite the visible constraints. His determination to succeed, regardless of the limitations surrounding him has brought an enviable success. This is one of the briefest interview I have conducted. The responses are very brief but straight to the point. Enjoy!
The quality of teachers needs to improve (in the whole education sector); the curriculum has to be aligned with societal needs; education should be sensitive to skills development (vocational education should not be looked down upon); fair assessment that rewards talent etc.
Abigael Ibikunle of Edugist: Please tell us a little about your background?
Taruvinga Lament: My name is Taruvinga Lament Magwiroto. I am the last born in an intellectually gifted but poor family of 5 in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. I initially studied for a vocational diploma in Animal Health.
I worked briefly in rural extension for a year. I also worked as a lecturer in vocational agricultural colleges for 4 years. And finally, as a chief technician at the University of Zimbabwe for over 8 years. This last job gave me the opportunity to attain a degree at the same university, where I attained a first class in 2017.
AI: Was there any motivating factor(s) that influenced your choice of discipline and institution?
TL: The University of Zimbabwe is the flagship tertiary institution in Zimbabwe. As a worker there, I benefited from discounted tuition fees. I chose Adult Education because of two principal reasons: it is directly relevant to rural development (which is a field I really like). Also, that the program was offered on a part time basis. This benefitted me as a full-time worker.
AI: There are two major skills that every student must possess: COMPETENCE and PERFORMANCE. While competence revolves around skill acquisition, performance is much more concerned about skills application. It is believed that most graduates are competent because their academic performance testifies to this, but they are performance-challenged. This poor performance ipso facto hinders them from getting lucrative jobs in the labour market. What can you say about this assertion?
TL: First, I think the two situations (academic and job) are different, therefore they require different competences. Performance (on job) obviously is a wider social role, requiring academic knowledge, technical skill and good attitude. But it is also about these skills to relate with other people like emotional intelligence;
- influencing others;
- ambition;
- cooperation
- navigating group dynamics.
As such, academic competences are only weakly co-related to job performance. Personal characteristics like perseverance, grit, resilience and stress tolerance are more directly relevant to job performance. It is obviously a complex issue which I only have a superficial acquaintance with.
AI: What do you think is responsible for competence without performance? Please suggest ways of improving the performance level of university students and graduates.
TL: Obviously, the biggest culprit is transmitting bookish knowledge divorced from practical application. Educational programmes could benefit from introducing some training component into their programmes. i.e. portfolios; internships; etc. Where students see/do the application of theory in practice.
Another way (pioneered/popularised at Harvard) is the case method. Teaching through case studies forces students to think in holistic ways. This in turn improves their problem-solving abilities (and hence better performance at work). After all, all work is about problem solving!
AI: Achievement in life transcends one’s personal efforts. There were people who, during your programme, rendered some assistance that made your dreams a reality. Who are specific persons whose contribution you can’t forget in your first-class feat?
TL: I had a great group of study mates. I also had very close relationships with almost all lecturers in the department. These people helped me when I faced some serious personal troubles during the course of my studies. Mentorship is crucial. Having a social support system is absolutely vital, in school as in life.
AI: As a first-class graduate, are you currently gainfully employed?
TL: Sort of. My old job (in Zimbabwe) was good, but I’m looking at breaking into academia or international development sector. So, at this particular moment (I am in the UK right now) you could say I am in a bit of limbo.
AI: Do you think your grades have or is giving you any major advantage over other graduates with lesser grades?
TL: My grades have definitely given me a major advantage. I have secured a scholarship to study in the UK on the strength of my passes. A first-class pass opens opportunities for you that are automatically shut to others without first class. Obviously, you need ambition and a plan to make the advantage count. But absolutely yes, a first-class pass is a passport to opportunity (if you know how to exploit it).
AI: For students who aspire to graduate with outstanding grade like yours, what would you advise them?
TL: Work hard, swot hard, don’t sleep! It will all pay out in the long run. If you get an opportunity to get to university, make it count. Don’t settle for less if you have the potential to earn a first-class pass. The benefits are invaluable.
AI: What would you advise the government to do to improve the standard of our education system?
TL: Many things. The quality of teachers needs to improve (in the whole education sector); the curriculum has to be aligned with societal needs; education should be sensitive to skills development (vocational education should not be looked down upon); fair assessment that rewards talent etc.
AI: Any other thing you would like to share?
TL: I know African universities are poor, but more funding needs to be provided for top class students. People are the chief resources of any country, and education is the greatest way to develop people. The country with a highly educated people will have an edge in a competitive world.
Great story.
A true show of hardwork.
Have a more fulfilling experience through life.