admincandidate for Marondera Central said teachers played a critical role as opinion and foundation makers in their respective communities.
“They are important in society and that is why when many grew up, teachers were showered with gifts as a token of appreciation for the sterling work they do,” said Cde Kaukonde.
“Teaching is a different profession because if they make mistakes it will be noticeable through the character of people who would have failed and they will be like dead people roaming in their communities.
“We need to appreciate the bravery of teachers because they did not desert the profession when life was tough a few years ago. Zimbabwe is considered to be the best in Africa education-wise because of the calibre of teachers we have.”
He hailed teachers who moulded experts in different fields on the continent and expressed hope that they would play a vital role in maintaining educational standards in the province and resuscitate industry in Marondera.
Teachers, said Cde Kaukonde, should not be afraid to spell out their opinions to representatives in the communities saying this was vital in complementing the efforts by President Mugabe in the education sector.
Mashonaland East provincial education director Mr Sylvester Machaka said teachers were now surviving on a shoe-string budget. This, he said, had prompted teachers to obtain loans to sustain themselves.
“It is painful to note that teachers impart knowledge to their pupils and at the same time they go an extra mile of borrowing money to send their children to school,” he said.
Mr Alex Nhikitiki said educational standards had been compromised by the standard of life teachers were living. “We have been reduced to the extent that it is difficult to discipline pupils when you know you are a tenant at their house,” he said.
Online Reporter