THE Government yesterday launched the Schools Covid-19
Response Programme, where schools will manufacture personal protective
equipment (PPEs) such as masks and sanitisers to fight against Covid-19.
Already, some schools in the country are producing PPEs,
while others are expected to start soon.
The venture is expected to ease the pressure of procuring
protective material for 136 000 teachers and 4,5 million pupils countrywide.
It dovetails with the new curriculum that entails teaching
children practical life skills alongside academic lessons.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Cain Mathema,
during the launch of the Schools Covid-19 Response Programme at Chikangwe High
School in Mashonaland West yesterday, said while the call had gone to all
schools in the 10 provinces, Mashonaland West Province took the lead and
started manufacturing at Chikangwe High School.
Minister Mathema said the fight against Covid-19 required
everyone’s effort.
“The virus we are seeking to combat is a vicious one, and
as we fight it, it requires all hands-on deck. It is not a fight that can be
left to a few, we will not succeed. The fight against Covid-19 is everyone’s
fight for survival.
“Today we witness some schools’ response in this fight. A
number of our schools are producing sanitisers, masks and detergents, all of
them approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” said the Minister.
He commended the Ministry of Health and Childcare for
partnering his ministry in the programme including the School Health Policy
that was launched a few years.
“Through this partnership, education is serving its true
purpose of meeting the needs of the communities,” said Minister Mathema. “Allow
me to congratulate all schools nationally that have started on the
manufacturing of protective equipment against the coronavirus, including Chikangwe
High School which pioneered this affirmative Covid-19 Response Programme of
producing masks and sanitisers.”
Turning to when schools are supposed to open for the second
term, Minister Mathema said his office stands guided by President Emmerson
Mnangagwa. He urged Zimbabweans to disregard information on social media on the
issue as it was false.
“Schools will open when the evidence indicates that it’s
prudent to do so, and that announcement will be made only by the President, HE,
Cde E.D. Mnangagwa. Appropriate measures will be put in place to make sure that
there is no further infection that will take place. The Ministry is working
flat out on mitigatory measures during the coronavirus period as well as on the
preparations for back-to-school,” said Minister Mathema. Chronicle
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