Albert Andiseni-Mashingaidze
The Ministry of Higher Tertiary Education, novation, Science and Technology Development in partnership with the Roger Federer Foundation launched the Smart Tablet Early Learning Assessment (STELA) program.
This innovative initiative aims to transform preservice early childhood development teacher education in Zimbabwe’s high tertiary education institutions
The launch held at a local hotel was graced by the presence of Professor Tawanda Takaedza representing Minister of Higher Tertiary Education Innovation Science and Technology Development Professor Fanuel Tagwira.
In his keynote address, Professor Takaedza emphasized the significance of (STELA) program in enhancing the quality of early childhood education in Zimbabwe.
“The (STELA) program was designed to help teachers to track and monitor children’s readiness milestones in the ECD-B class.
In its design and focus on school readiness and technology-based format, the tool is consistent with the aspirations of the government of Zimbabwe to improve the quality of formal learning experience and modernization in primary school and innovation thrust in heritage-based education 5.0.
“Every year 3000 students graduate with ECD qualifications and another 3000 are enrolled every year , therefore the introduction of (STELA) in preservice will have a significant impact in the education sector and ultimately the children who are the primary beneficiary.
“Preparing ECD teachers for modern educational demands helps to fight reductant methodologies and practice in terms of getting children ready for first grade and lifelong learning”
RFF Regional Coordinator Mr. Fortune Thembo elaborated on the history of STELA, which began as a collaborative project in 2018 among educators, child development experts, and technology developers.
Recognizing the need for a more effective way to assess early learning, we embarked on a mission to create a tool that not only evaluates but also enhances the learning experience,” he explained.
After years of research, testing, and refinement, STELA was born—a smart tablet application designed to assess key developmental milestones in children aged 3 to 6 years.
The STELA program utilizes a series of interactive games and activities that align with early learning standards. As children engage with the tablet, their responses are tracked and analyzed, providing educators with immediate feedback on each child’s progress.
This allows teachers to tailor their instruction to meet the individual needs of their students, fostering a more personalized learning environment, Mr. Fortune Thembo emphasized.
In His presentation, Mr. Thembo also addressed the importance of preparing pre-service teachers to effectively use technology in their future classrooms.
“With STELA, we are not only assessing children but also equipping our future educators with the skills they need to integrate technology into their teaching practices,” he said.
This is essential in a world where technology is increasingly becoming a part of everyday life.
The launch event included a live demonstration of the STELA application, showcasing its user-friendly interface and engaging content.
Attendees and officials were invited to interact with the tablet, experiencing firsthand how the assessment works. The excitement in the room was joyful as educators and principals alike recognized the potential of STELA to enhance learning outcomes.
As the ceremony concluded, SRI Team leader Professor Roswitta Gatsi expressed her gratitude to all those involved in the development of STELA.
This initiative represents a collaborative effort to innovate and improve early childhood education.
”We are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact STELA will have on our students and their future classrooms.” he said.
With the launch of STELA, the University of Early Learning Innovations is poised to lead the way in preparing the next generation of early childhood educators.
As technology continues to evolve, so too will the methods of teaching and assessment, ensuring that young learners receive the best possible start in their educational journeys.
The future of early childhood education is bright, and with STELA, it is also smart.
