Stakeholders urged to raise pass rates

STAKEHOLDERS in the education sector must complement each other’s efforts in raising performance levels of under-performing schools, an official has urged.

Speaking at a provincial workshop for schools with zero percent pass rates, Manicaland provincial education director Mr Edward Shumba, urged the affected schools to put in place remedial measures to raise their performance levels and boost enrolment.

“Poor performance affects enrolment levels and ultimately institutional development, as learners and parents are reluctant to enrol children in under-performing schools, hence such schools remain underdeveloped,” he said.

Mr Shumba attributed the declining performance to indiscipline among both teachers and learners.

“As a ministry, we have realised that the level of indiscipline is high with absenteeism and lack of commitment at the top in these under-performing schools,” said Mr Shumba.

Deputy education director (secondary schools), Mr Philemeon Musakanya cited examples of learners beating up teachers, intimidating female teachers, teachers taking extended leave of absence, as well as teachers spending time on social media during lessons.

“The level of indiscipline extends from learners to teachers, as most of the teachers abandon their duties, demonstrating lack of commitment towards learners struggling academically in under-performing schools,” he explained.

Schools inspector, Mrs Fungai Mudehwe warned against absenteeism among teachers saying the ministry would not hesitate disciplining errant teachers, as their behaviour had a negative effect on the provision of quality education.

In response to the general sentiments by stakeholders that most under- performing schools were forced to enrol students who would have performed badly in their Grade 7 examinations and that it was difficult to turn this calibre of students into high performers, she said better performance was possible with commitment and hard work.

“The general outcry by most of you is that your schools are forced to enrol children who would have failed to perform well at Grade 7 with some getting as much as 25 or even 36 points.

“You highlighted that you are given under- performing students and expected to work magic to produce stellar students who have an easy transition into tertiary education.”

Deputy education director (primary schools), Mrs Clara Kanoyerera urged teachers to change their mindsets and perception of students, as this could be a barrier to performance.