Sanctions hurt education sector: Shamu

Publicity Minister Webster Shamu said Zimbabwe’s economy was struggling because of the embargo.
He said the sanctions were affecting ordinary people.
The event coincided with the school’s speech and prize-giving day.
“Government is failing to provide resources to the schools, meaning the embargo is making our little children suffer,” he said.
Minister Shamu said infrastructure at most schools was in a “sorry state” and needed improvement.
“Most infrastructure has collapsed and schools are struggling to maintain it. This is one area we have to divert resources towards because we do not want to turn our institu­tions into museums,” he said.
Government, Minister Shamu said, was working hard to improve salaries and work­ing conditions of teachers.
“You have worked under difficult condi­tions and your patience and perseverance needs to be rewarded. The challenges you are going through are just but not permanent.”
He said Government was seized with the issues affecting Zimbabweans.
“I urge you to remain resolute and dedi­cated while things are sorted out,” he said.
He commended staff at the school for working hard despite the closure of David Whitehead Textile company, which used to run the school.
“You have soldiered on and become your own liberators and this is commendable.”
Minister Shamu urged the school authori­ties to put the classroom blocks and school assets to good use.
“Vandalism should not be tolerated because money which should be used for other purposes ends up being used to replace the vandalised equipment,” he said.
Minister Shamu hailed President Mugabe’s computerisation programme in schools say­ing it was helping the country to keep abreast with changes in technology.
David Whitehead school head Mr Rodrick Ruzvidzo said the school was fighting hard to do away with hot-seating.
“The classrooms blocks commissioned today will go a long way in ending the hot-seating that has characterised our learning process in the past years.
“Everyone is working hard, including the parents and the School Development Com­mittee, to ensure that the school has the class­rooms,” he said.