Parents, teachers optimistic as schools re-open

SCHOOLS reopened for the first term today with parents and teachers expressing optimism about an uninterrupted learning period.

The past few days have been a hive of activity across the country as parents, guardians, learners, educators and material suppliers prepared for the opening of schools.

Most pupils attending boarding schools left for their different schools yesterday but Form One pupils at some schools left earlier.

Parents and guardians said in interviews that they were optimistic that it will be smooth learning throughout the term.

They said the price of stationery among other requirements had increased but most had sacrificed to ensure they provided their children with all the required learning materials to avoid compromising their learning.

Ms Molyne Dliwayo, whose child is doing Form Two at George Silundika High School said parents had made sacrifices to send children to boarding schools and were expecting to reap the benefits.

“Most of the goods have gone up from groceries to stationery but we have done our best to meet the requirements,” she said.

Ms Dliwayo said they expected teachers to play their part to ensure children enjoy quality education.

“After such sacrifice, parents expect good results especially from those children writing public examinations,” said Ms Dliwayo.

Another parent, Mr Xolisani Gama, said parents had to forgo festive season activities to save money for their children’s education.

“We can party and be merry but at the end, we know that back to school is coming. We are all here because this is the future of our children. We now expect teachers to takeover and do their business of teaching,” he said.

Mr Gama said there is need to instil discipline among pupils considering that issues of bullying have become rife at schools.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) chief executive officer, Dr Sifiso Ndlovu, said educators were ready to deliver quality education and urged the Government to also play its part to improve teachers’ welfare.

“Our educators will be as dedicated as ever when they return to the classroom and what is needed is to support them. Give them the moral and the financial support to fend for their families so that they are happy workers,” he said.

Dr Ndlovu said while the move by Treasury to convert the US$300 civil servant allowance into a salary is commendable, there is an urgent need to review teachers’ salaries upwards.

He said there is also a need to increase funding to public schools if all pupils are to enjoy quality education.

Dr Ndlovu said Government should release Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) funds early as delays negatively affect the running of schools.

He urged parents and guardians to also support the development of the education sector through payment of fees.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo on Sunday said Government has put in place measures to ensure that schools reopen without any incidents.

“Learning starts on Tuesday and we don’t expect any disturbances given the obtaining situation on the ground,” he said. —@nqotshili