First term starts on high note

. . . tension simmers at Anglican school

THE first term started on a high note in Manicaland, with the Government closely monitoring schools to prevent the spread of cholera, while chaotic scenes were witnessed at St Faith’s High School in Rusape last Friday following an over enrolment of children.

Buhera, Chipinge and Mutare districts are the cholera hotspots in Manicaland, and schools are expected to implement sound hygienic practices to contain the disease.

Public health measures that need to be adhered to include availing hand-washing stations at all strategic points, provision of clean running water and physical distancing to minimise personal contact and hand-shaking.

Manicaland Provincial Education Director (PED), Mr Edward Shumba said the first term started well, with the education authorities tightening screws by directing District Schools Inspectors (DSIs) to check teachers’ attendance so that those playing truancy will not be paid, while also ensuring the safety of learners.

He said the “no-work, no-pay principle” will be invoked on all those who fail to report for duty.

Mr Shumba, who did not mince his words as the teachers’ turn-out stood at 95 percent as the week progressed, argued that those who were yet to report for duty were doing a disservice to learners and their parents who were paying school fees through the nose.

“I have not received any adverse report on the whole situation, and generally schools opened well in Manicaland. Today (Wednesday), I am personally checking on effective teaching and learning on the ground. I have so far visited five schools in Chimanimani.

“I also came across the district team which had toured 13 schools, and everything was fine. From the reports that I got from our district offices and observations that I made on the ground, payment of school fees is going on well.

“I would like to thank parents for that attitude because that is what brings the better results we are looking for.

“I appeal to the rest of them to ensure that fees are paid so that effective teaching and learning takes place.

“I haven’t come across reports of schoolchildren being turned away for non-payment of fees. I have instructed school heads to sit down with parents and come up with payment plans. Parents must meet part of their bargain by paying school fees, while teachers do theirs, which is ensuring that teaching and learning takes place,” he said.

Zimbabwe Rural Teachers’ Union (ZRTU) president, Mr Martin Chaburumbunda said teachers resumed work without any incidences.

He urged Government to avail them the ◆