Poverty alleviation through teaching for thinking: A case of one teachers college in Masvingo Province

Abstract

There is an assumption that education is incapacitated to alleviate poverty. The objective of this study is to explore the nature and impact of education being offered at one teachers’ college in Masvingo Province. The study argues that the college is not offering education, which is instrumental for poverty alleviation. Qualitative data were generated using in depth interviews, focus group discussions and observation. The researcher used content analysis to analyze the data. The study revealed that the college curriculum is examination driven at the expenses of practical subjects which may see the college going a long way in alleviating poverty. The study also established that students leave the college with useful skills but are not empowered to realize the utility of acquired skills. The study concluded that although learners pass their examination poverty is rampant. The research recommends policy makers to align education to poverty alleviation as well as incorporating innovation for socio-economic change.