THE government is pushing for opening of schools for the
June examinations, arguing that it is prepared to implement measures to fight
the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), the Daily News reports.
This comes as eight teacher unions represented by Zimbabwe
Lawyers for Human Rights’ Sarudzayi Njerere last week filed an urgent chamber
application for the exams to be suspended until the government met safety
measures to protect both learners and teachers.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz),
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Democratic Teachers Union, Zimbabwe National Educators Union, Zimbabwe Rural
Teachers Union, Zimbabwe Teachers Association and Zimbabwe National Teachers
Union filed the application in the High Court.
In their notice of opposition, Education ministry permanent
secretary Tumisang Thabela said the government had the capacity to ensure all
safety measures are met before schools opened.
“The government will provide all the personal protective
equipment and all procedures and recommendations of the World Health Organisation
will be in place before the commencement of examinations on June 30,” Thabela
said.
Thabela argued that conducting public examinations in
schools, colleges and tertiary institutions fell in the confines of essential
services, adding that the ministry had started radio lessons to ensure
candidates are adequately prepared.
They argued that all educational institutions used as
quarantine centres would be disinfected and safeguard measures put in place for
all students in boarding schools.
“All precautionary measures will be taken at school level
to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and all invigilators are expected to report
for duty. Special transport arrangements will also be made for day scholars and
invigilators to and from examination centres.”
In an affidavit, Artuz president Obert Masaraure argued
that after the lockdown started learners, including those in government schools
shifted to online learning but were not adequately provided with requirements
to facilitate the lessons.
Masaraure submitted that all learners enrolled at
government schools, including those who are due to sit for examinations in June
and November have not been receiving teaching instruction since March 24 when
the first term was closed.
He said the government had not provided Personal Protective
Equipment (PPEs) to both teachers and learners. Daily News
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