The Zimbabwean government has set aside 4 billion Zimbabwean dollars (about 60,000 U.S. dollars ) for next year to assist indigenous authors in the writing and publication of educational textbooks to be used in schools as part of the curriculum.

Fananidzo Pesanai, an official with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, was quoted by The Herald newspaper as saying on Wednesday that the move is part of the government's deliberate policy of promoting local culture.

Pesanai urged locals to approach the ministry with their projects for funding.

Professor Herbert Chimhundu, director of African Languages Research Institute at the University of Zimbabwe, lamented the absence of a national language policy in the country in view of the significance of language in education.

He said multi-lingual should be viewed as a strength and not as a hindrance because language thrived in diversity.

Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education Washington Mbizvo also proposed the setting up of a national language policy and school teachers should operate under that policy framework where local languages would be appreciated.

Secretary for Education, Sport and Culture, Steven Mahere said some of the concerns being raised were contained in the Education Amendment Bill, which was currently before parliament.

The University of Zimbabwe was then tasked to come up with a draft national language policy in the country.

Source: Xinhua