The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the learning season in schools. We however applaud the early closure of schools for preventing learners and teachers from being easily exposed to the deadly virus.
With the lockdown still going on, it’s becoming difficult for learners to have enough preparations for the Zimsec June 2020 public examinations. Teachers are failing to have access to fully prepare their learners for the public examinations that are due in less than 2 months.
As Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) we are encouraging the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education together with Zimsec to postpone the June 2020 public examinations, since sitting candidates’ preparations are being affected by the COVID-19 preventive measures.
We have also noted that the online registration process by Zimsec is disadvantaging learners especially in rural areas, they don’t have access to Internet due to high cost of data bundles and the unavailability of network coverage in some remote areas.
So, it is of paramount importance for Zimsec to shelve the June 2020 public examinations to avoid anxiety on learners and teachers. Furthermore, the cases of Corona virus infections are increasing globally, this will expose learners and teachers to the virus as some registered private candidates will come from high risk countries to sit for the same examinations with school candidates.
Source: Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ)
