‘Rural teachers must be empowered’

Sunday Mail Reporter

TEACHERS are an integral part of Zimbabwe’s drive to attain the upper middle-income economy by 2030 and the Government is committed to capacitating them, a senior Government official has said.

At the World Teachers’ Day commemorations hosted by the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe and the Farming Communities Education Trust (FACET) at Wedza Primary School on Wednesday, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Aplonia Munzverengwi said teachers, particularly those working in rural schools, must be empowered.

“We need to note that teachers are instrumental in transforming the education system. Therefore, they need to be empowered so that they take the initiative and become innovative performers in the transformation of society to become a better place.

“Teachers play a pivotal role towards the realisation of our national vision — Vision 2030. Teachers are the pillar of our society and they are the building blocks of the nation’s future. They inspire us to bring about the best in ourselves. Without teachers, there is no lawyer, no doctor and no astronaut.”

FACET project manager Mrs Respect Tsvanhu said teachers in marginalised communities should not find it difficult to perform their duties.

“They should be provided with adequate teaching facilities and equipment just like their urban counterparts. Teachers are the custodians of delivering access to equitable education. They help communities by encouraging them to send children to school.”

She said educators in rural and farming communities are role models in their localities.

“They are the ones who give hope and actually disseminate information to villagers on the importance of education.”

She added: “Teachers in rural and farming areas break barriers and some cultural beliefs that speak against education, so we need to provide facilities that enable conducive teaching.”

Mrs Tsvanhu lauded the Government for introducing information and communications technology, as well as science labs, in rural and farming areas.

She said FACET is involved in advocacy for the formulation of policies that improve access to education for rural girls.

In collaboration with some regional civic organisations, FACET is also implementing a project called Girls Education Advocacy in the Region, which seeks to enhance education opportunities for girls in marginalised areas. The organisation advocates pregnant girls and young mothers should be encouraged to go back to school.

World Teachers’ Day is commemorated globally on October 5 to salute educators for the role they play in building nations.