While the Government continues working out how to reopen
schools in phases, starting with public examination classes, as Zimsec
finalises plans for the late June examinations, some teachers unions are
concerned.
Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Mrs Thumisang
Thabela on Wednesday told Parliament that the mid-year Zimsec examinations
would be written between June 29 and July 22. But teachers’ unions believe that
safety measures might not be ready in time.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) chief executive
officer Dr Sifiso Ndlovu said holding the examinations might not bring the
intended outcome under the current circumstances.
“Scheduling examinations is not a panacea to Covid-19. This
is a pandemic that has claimed many lives in the world and continues to do so.
A declaration means nothing if the necessary health protocols recommended by
the World Health Organisation are not followed,” Dr Ndlovu said.
“We are not ready for June examinations. Teachers are not
willing. If the authorities go ahead with their plan, we are headed for
industrial conflict. We cannot have pronouncements that ignore environmental
dictates,” Dr Ndlovu said.
He urged Government to look at what other examination
systems have done and compare their response.
“Government should consider what Cambridge, an
international examinations body has done. They cancelled their June
examinations and this is something we should consider. Our learners are not in
the right psychological space to write examinations. They are fearing for their
lives, so are our teachers. Writing an examination at this point may end up
defeating the purpose behind examinations, unless we are doing them just to
tick boxes,” Dr Ndlovu said.
Teachers are also suggesting that Government pays them a
risk allowance.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz)
president, Mr Obert Masaraure, said the June examinations should be written
when conditions are right.
“There is no rush really. We do not want to lose lives, we
should not force premature reopening of schools. Learners, teachers and
everyone involved in the processes should be tested before there is any
activity at schools — be they exams or lessons,” said Mr Masaraure.
He said the idea that this June examination was the last sitting
that would be allowed under the old curriculum was immaterial in picking a
date.
“The papers that need to be written will just be written
when it is safe. Nothing changes, the same paper these learners are supposed to
write this June is what they will write when it is safe to do so,” he said.
In his report back to his constituency, Mr Manuel Nyawo of
Zimbabwe National Teachers Union (Zinatu) said June was not the best month to
reopen.
“People will need to travel from various parts of the
country to the examination centres and given the conditions prevailing, most of
those who registered for June exams will find it difficult to meet the
examination timelines due to serious mobility challenges,” said Mr Nyawo.
There were also concerns that the months of June and July
in which schools are expected to reopen carry a high probability for infections
of ordinary flu.
Parents seem to be divided on the matter.Mr Samson Makumbirike of Kuwadzana said it was better if we
forfeited the whole academic year.
“Our children are not the most careful, we will have a
crisis if they reopen. Children love playing and get in contact all the time.
Sending them to school is sending them in harm’s way,” he said.
But another Harare resident, Mrs Charlotte Mverechena,
backed moves by President Mnangagwa to start reopening schools.
“Covid-19 is not going away anytime soon. We need to accept
that. There is no guarantee that next year Covid-19 will not be there. Let us
ensure children go to school safely. If adults are going to work, then children
can learn and write exams too. This is the new normal,” she said.
Teachers’ unions were told by Government to consolidate
their opinions on reopening and submit a position paper. This will be fed into
the calculations for setting opening dates. Herald
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