Teachers, whose social welfare has turned to be a bit sower have reportedly being seen in some of artisanal mining (korokoza) areas, one of teachers’ representative board has claimed.
During an education indaba held in Bulawayo yesterday, the Bulawayo Chair for Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA, Wilson Mangena revealed that the once respected professionals have joined a risky occupation, illegal mining.
In the presence of senior education ministry officials in Matebeleland and civil society leaders, Mangena claimed that, “teachers are now makorokoza and I saw it myself.”
He added, “In Bubi District there is a place near Gloag High and I saw teachers gold panning alongside some of the students they teach.”
He did not end there, Mangena highlighted that, “teachers are seriously demotivated and we ask that their remuneration be reviewed.”
He also pointed out that there were certain schools which were mistreating teachers in Bulwayo.
“I have seen some teachers cleaning schools and I told them that they do not know their jobs. The government should avail funds so that schools hire people to clean,” he nodded.
Meanwhile, there is an appeal to the government by the candidates to can postpone the December scheduled examinations highlighting that they have been idle since the lockdown was induced in the country in March.
The government recently announced that schools will be opened on the 28th of September while exams are set for December after six months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has set aside $600 million for schools to improve sanitization and preparedness to resume teaching.
The chair of the Parliamentary Education portfolio committee, Legislator Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga who was present said she was apprehensive for rural candidates and those from poor backgrounds.
She said, “This was very emotional and I am concerned about the haves and have-nots. I am concerned about students from Bulawayo. I am worried about students in rural areas. This is why we are here to engage with all stakeholders,” she said.
Credit: Daily News
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