The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) says schools in the country are not yet ready for re-opening as the ‘situation on the ground has reflected a high level of unpreparedness’.
PTUZ president, Takavafira Zhou claimed that a survey carried by the teachers’ union has revealed 98 percent of schools in the country have shown that they are not yet ready to re-open.
“Although our national survey as PTUZ is still ongoing, preliminary reports we have received reflect a high level of unpreparedness in 98% of the schools, with only 2% school preparedness in private and former group A schools. The level of unpreparedness is epitomised by bloated classes in schools,no new infrastructure development in all schools, congestion in boarding schools, no recruitment of new teachers inspite of exisiting school vacancies, difficulties of ensuring social distance in terms of WHO standards and Ministry of Education standard operation procedures, no running water or reliable source of water in many schools,lack of covid 19 abatement equipment in schools,vaccination of 5. 6% of the 140000 teachers, against 65% considered safe to combat the spread of covid 19, high attritional weekly and monthly death rates of teachers,no vaccination of pupils above 16 years,no engagement with teachers who in essence are the linchpin behind successful opening of schools and,no concerted efforts by gvt to address the welfare of teachers and even salary discrepancies with other gvt workers,”said Zhou.
Zhou added that in spite of the extension of the lockdown measures by a further two weeks, this still does not warrant the reopening of schools early.
“As much as we appreciate the President’s extension by two more weeks of the current national restrictions, by no means would the two weeks be adequate enough to warrant opening of schools for face to face learning in schools.”
“We can urgently assist pupils in the safety of their homes until an opportune time, possibly from mid-September. Any rushed decision for face to face learning in schools could be suicidal and worse than the current challenges,”said Zhou.
Government is still to announce the date of schools re-opening but has called on parents to assist schools in the provision of Personal Protective Equipment.
