Did you know that Harare Polytechnic started from humble beginnings? This tertiary institution has grown into Zimbabwe’s largest technical college. Today we will delve into the story of Harare Polytechnic.
Harare Polytechnic opened its doors in 1964 in Salisbury. That’s how Harare was formerly known. Since then, Harare Polytechnic has become a leading tertiary institution. It falls under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.
Let’s rewind further back though. The story starts in 1919. George Chaloner began mechanical engineering classes. He taught young men working at Hubert Davies and Company. More men wanted to join. Chaloner asked the government for help.
In 1925, the government agreed. Classes started at the Old Boys High School. This school is now Prince Edward High School. The first Advisory Council was appointed. 1926 saw the Salisbury Technical School open in the Caledonian Hall. Richard Dreary became the first Principal.
Chaloner led a group to Sir Ernest Guest in 1936. They appealed for a permanent college site. A site between Fourth and Fifth Streets was acquired. The Polytechnic was completed just before World War II. This building soon became too small. In 1936, the Commerce Department moved. They went to the Old Selbourne School in Prince Edward Street.
The new Harare Polytechnic was finished in January 1964. It cost $270000.00. The college opened with 1500 students. Mr L.H. Davies was the Principal. Mr E.J. Bacon replaced him. Davies became the Director of Technical Education in 1964.
1965 was a big year. The first library opened in January. In September, the first black students enrolled at Harare Polytechnic. Sir Humphrey Gibbs officially opened the Polytechnic in October 1965. He was the Governor at the time.
Harare Polytechnic has a clear mission. It aims to be a leading center for science, technology and engineering. It wants to prepare students for the knowledge economy. The school has expanded greatly since Zimbabwe’s independence. It has grown from one to 17 departments and divisions.
What does it take to get in? Harare Polytechnic enrolls students with a General Certificate In Education. They need at least five Ordinary Level passes. This includes Mathematics and English Language. These requirements help maintain high standards. The institution also enrolls those with Advanced level and National Certificates.
Harare Polytechnic offers various programs. These include National Certificates, National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas. They also offer Bachelor of Technology degrees. Courses span Applied Arts, Automotive Engineering and Business Studies. Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Electrical Engineering are also available. Students can study ICT, Library and Information Science and Mass Communication. Other options include Office Management, Printing and Graphic Arts plus Science and Technology. Harare Polytechnic truly offers something for everyone.
Today Harare Polytechnic faces challenges. Like other polytechnics, it was once seen as less prestigious than universities. But Harare Polytechnic offers degrees validated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Professional degrees also exist.
Zimbabwe’s economic crisis has created difficulties. Funding has decreased. It is harder to retain faculty and students. Many choose to study abroad. The school relies on former lecturers and alumni for funding. Equipment is often old. Despite this, Harare Polytechnic is resilient. It remains a vital institution.
Harare Polytechnic is located on Herbert Chitepo Avenue close to Prince Edward Street. Its phone number is +263(4) 705853. The email address is hrepoly@hrepoly.ac.zw. The website is www.hrepoly.ac.zw.
From humble beginnings to a leading technical college, Harare Polytechnic has a rich history. It continues to shape Zimbabwe’s future. It provides quality education and prepares students for success.