Zim teachers want schools reopened in September

Harare (New Ziana)-Teachers in Zimbabwe want the second schooling term to resume in September when most of the population would have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

The teachers believe delaying the opening of schools would give authorities enough time to ramp up vaccinations.

At present, vaccinations are averaging 50 000 per day for both first and second doses.

Thursday’s inoculations pushed the country’s figures to over one million for those who have so far received the first Covid-19 jab.

Government has since roped in additional personnel from the security services sector to boost manpower involved in the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

At Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, government postponed the opening of schools by another two weeks as the country continues to battle with the Covid-19 third wave.

On Thursday alone, the country recorded the highest number of Covid-19 deaths at 86 and 2 491 infections.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said reopening of schools early August was not Covid-19 safe for both teachers and learners.

“I concur totally with comrades that are saying we cannot even open schools early August; we can only open at the end of August by then temperatures will be very high. I guess the beginning of September,” he said.

Zhou said when schools eventually open; government should capacitate teachers with internet facilities to facilitate smooth online learning.

“Teachers have suggested two methods which they are already using and need support from government. Teachers have designed class WhatsApp groups for primary learners and subject groups for secondary school classes. All teachers need are WhatsApp bundles from government.

“Apart from data bundles, the government must approach reputable organisations like Unicef and request them to assist with learning gadgets particularly for pupils coming from disadvantaged backgrounds,” he said.

Zimbabwe currently has 26 680 active cases of Covid-19.

New Ziana