ZOU Leadership Rallies Alumni and Educators for National Impact

KARIBA, ZIMBABWE — The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) took center stage on Day 3 of the 2026 National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) Conference at Mopani Bay, Kariba, delivering a high-impact presentation to more than 3,000 primary school heads, educational policymakers, and industry leaders.

Running from November 10 to 14, 2026, the annual flagship gathering serves as a critical platform for advancing national education. During Thursday’s plenary session, senior ZOU officials addressed the delegates directly on how open and distance flexible learning (ODFL) is bridging the gap between higher education and primary school leadership across Zimbabwe.

ZOU Team Leader and Director of Corporate Communication and Marketing, Mrs. S. Moyo, alongside Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Thembinkosi Tshabalala, and Mashonaland West Regional Director, Dr. Lazius Kadziya, deliver a joint presentation to over 3,000 delegates during Day 3 of the NAPH 2026 Conference in Kariba.

The presentation was jointly led by Team Leader and Director of Corporate Communication and Marketing, Mrs. S. Moyo; the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Thembinkosi Tshabalala; and the Regional Director for the host province of Mashonaland West, Dr. Lazius Kadziya. The senior leadership team is supported on the ground by Information Officer, Mr. T. Kurwa, and Kariba District Administrative Assistant, Mr. Jonathan Chitsamatanga.

Moving beyond a standard promotional showcase, the ZOU delegation used the presentation slot and its interactive exhibition spaces to focus on direct community impact and professional development for educators. The executives outlined pathways for school heads and teachers to upgrade their qualifications without leaving their workstations, emphasizing the flexibility and accessibility of ZOU’s academic programs.

The ZOU delegation poses with primary school heads and proud ZOU alumni during the Day 3 plenary break, reinforcing partnerships to drive future enrollment across all provinces.

A major highlight of the Day 3 engagement was the university’s outreach to its expansive alumni network within the primary school system. The delegation urged both past and present ZOU students among the delegates to share their transformative learning experiences and act as active brand ambassadors and local recruiters within their respective districts.

By fostering direct dialogue with primary school leaders and expanding awareness of its diverse academic offerings, ZOU aims to drive student enrollment for upcoming intakes while reinforcing its role in empowering educators and shaping the future of Zimbabwean education.

Gallery