The purpose of this paper is to discuss briefly the current reconstruction efforts in Zimbabwe. The historical roots of prevailing social problems will be outlined and, government attempts in addressing these problems, both now and in the future, will be reviewed. The emphasis will be factual rather than analytical, in the hope that the information provided will contribute to the formulation of solutions to the many problems facing the new nation of Zimbabwe. It is difficult to do justice to such a complex subject without a National Development Plan covering all sectors of the economy. Unfortunately, this plan will not be published until possibly mid-June 1981. A global picture is indispensable in dealing with education, because manpower requirements are determined to a large extent by what is happening in all sectors of the economy, which in turn is influenced by the government’s development strategies.