The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union in Zimbabwe, ARTUZ managed to compile the “Education in Crisis Report” for a research that we carried out engaging education stakeholders concerning the preparedness and safe opening of schools ahead of the dates set by the government, that’s on 14 and 28 for Cambridge and Zimsec classes respectively.
The report is going to be published on Monday 14 September after we postponed it today as we are currently sharing it with the government and other stakeholders in the education sector to give us their feedback.
The report highlights on:
- Curriculum Expectations and learning gaps
- Teacher Preparedness for schools opening
- Learner Preparedness
- State of supporting pillars
- Government’s response strategy
The response from teachers clearly shows that they’re not ready to go back to work before the salary dispute is fairly resolved. A USD520 monthly is the only incentive to attract teachers back to their working stations.
The supporting pillars such as parents, health professionals and public transporters also highlighted the need for government to close the existing gaps to ensure the safety of learners in schools, safe and smooth daily commuting of learners and teachers to and from schools particularly in urban areas.
Learners recommended the pushing forward of examination dates from the 1st of December set by the government to allow them the required standard time to prepare for examinations.
The government should first address all these existing gaps. As a union that represents the genuine grievances of teachers, we are now declaring that no teacher will report for duty until the government restores back a teacher monthly salary of USD520. We are now mobilising for no opening of schools until the government respects the value and services offered by teachers.
Source: Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ)
