Online Reporter
Sikumbuzo Moyo, Zimpapers Senior Reporter
THE Government has urged schools to adhere to the stipulated directives on accepting fees payments in ZiG at uninflated exchange rates as well as avoid forcing parents to purchase uniforms from schools at exorbitant prices, warning that strict disciplinary measures will be instituted to school heads found defying instructions.
It has also called on school authorities whose facilities have been damaged during the current rainfall season to approach the Department of Civil Protection Unit for financial or material support ahead of the opening of schools on Tuesday, saying tents will be provided as temporary shelter as the damaged schools are repaired.
In an interview with Sunday News, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo said school heads found flouting the Government’s directives on fees and uniforms to burden parents will face disciplinary action.
“We have issued a statement saying all fee conversions must be strictly pegged to the official interbank exchange rate, with schools prohibited from unilaterally setting or using inflated rates for calculations. Schools found refusing ZiG payments or setting their own exchange rates will be dealt with,” said Minister Moyo. In view of damages suffered by schools in the country as a result of the rains, the minister said a co-ordinated approach is being pursued where the CPU stands ready to dispatch aid and temporary measures as repairs are done.
In its latest Situation Report (SITREP), the CPU reports that 37 schools were affected by heavy rains during the season, with Masvingo recording the highest number of affected schools, standing at seven.
Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East each have six schools while five schools were affected in Matabeleland South and in Manicaland, four schools were affected with Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West having one and two schools being affected so far.
“This needs a co-ordinated approach by all stakeholders involved such as the School Development Committees (SDCs), various responsible authorities and indeed Government. We are urging schools to approach the Civil Protection Unit who have the financial and material means for aid. As a ministry we do not have a specific budget to assist affected schools,” said in an interview with Sunday News yesterday.
He said all affected schools will open on Tuesday.
“Tents will be provided by the CPU to those schools whose roofs were blown away but I must reiterate that all parties involved must come together to map the way forward as we do not want our learners to be affected. We remain confident that the necessary help and aid will be rendered to all our schools that have been affected or will be affected,” said Minister Moyo.
Meanwhile, stationery and school uniform shops have realised an increase in shopping traffic as parents made their last-minute shopping in preparation of schools opening on Tuesday.
Sunday News witnessed long queues in most shops in the city centre. Besides school uniforms, parents were buying stationary.
“It’s a hectic time for us as parents. I have managed to get everything that I wanted for my daughter who is going for her secondary education at a local high school,” said Ms Chengeto Michaels.
A manager at a leading uniform supplier, assured parents and guardians that they have enough supplies to meet demand.
“We are fully stocked across our range of school uniforms and are ready to meet the high demand ahead of schools reopening on Tuesday. Business has been steady so far, but we are expecting a rush of last-minute shoppers over the weekend and Monday.
Our team is prepared to serve customers efficiently, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free back-to-school shopping experience,” said Mr Zeyn Yusuf Jogee.
In a related development, the Government has employed 7 472 teachers who will be deployed across the country starting this week, in line with President Mnangagwa’s job creation drive and his quest to improve education outcomes.
President Mnangagwa’s administration has committed to creating more job opportunities across sectors both public and private as envisaged by the private sector-led growth initiative.
The employment of additional teachers to complement existing staff is aimed at supporting the ongoing reconfiguration of the national education model.
“Government has recruited 7 472 teachers who will start work when schools open for the first term next week. These teachers are filling what we call attrition posts, posts that arise because of issues like retirement or the death of existing staff, essentially replacing staff that has left.
Then we have what we call expansion posts, which are not yet filled. These posts are created to improve the student-teacher ratio or to cater for growing enrolment,” said Mr Taungana Ndoro, Director of Communication and Advocacy.
He said one of the most immediate benefits of employing more teachers is the improvement in teacher-student ratios, adding that with more educators in the classroom, each student will receive more individualised attention, which is crucial for effective learning and engagement.
“The influx of new teachers has also contributed to enhanced learning outcomes across various subjects. With a greater number of qualified professionals, we are better positioned to implement diverse teaching strategies, address different learning styles and provide targeted support to students who may be struggling,” said Mr Ndoro.
