Andrew
Online Reporter
SOME religious beliefs are affecting Government’s efforts to vaccinate teenagers over the age of 16 against Covid-19, especially in schools, an education official has said.
Goromonzi-based schools inspector, Mr Witness Chonzi, said although the general uptake of vaccines in schools was commendable, there are instances where some church beliefs are forcing some students to shun vaccination.
Students over the age of 16 are mainly Lower and Upper Six students.
Mr Chonzi revealed this development at a prize-giving ceremony held at Destiny Achievers, a private boarding school based in Domboshawa, in the Goromonzi District.
“Covid-19 cases have gone up in recent days, we used to have high cases in growth points or areas like Ruwa, but now we have more cases in rural areas.
“We are trying our level best to capture that, make sure each school is attached to a health centre,” said Mr Chonzi.
“A lot of ground has been covered with regards to vaccination in schools. The uptake has been good, but of course we face some challenges, because of some church beliefs that are against vaccination, and you find some scholars shunning vaccination.”
In October, Government announced that it will start vaccinating teenagers over the age of 16 against Covid-19, in a move that was welcomed by health experts.
Meanwhile, Mr Chonzi also hailed private schools for their role in complementing Government’s efforts to provide education for all.
Destiny Achievers, which is owned by Mrs Cynthia Gambiza, now has an enrolment of 247 students, up from 18 in 2019.
“We want to salute females like Madam Gambiza for the role she has played in providing education.
“Her story is touching, she started with about 18 students, but now in less than three years she has an enrolment of 247 students.
“She is leading the school well, she has turned the tables, and the school is now one of the best private schools in the District.
“Private schools play a very important role. As Government we cannot go it alone, because of the huge numbers who are seeking education.
“They (private schools) take the bulk of the learners who will not have found places in government schools but we encourage them to do it legally,” said Mr Chonzi.
Mrs Gambiza thanked Government for supporting her endeavours.
“We want to thank the District education officials, they have been walking with us. It has always been my dream to help Zimbabwe in the education sector.
“But the road has not been, being a woman I faced a lot of challenges, which I overcame through the grace of God.”
Online Reporter