TEACHERS have demanded to be paid a COVID-19 risk allowance
when schools eventually open, according to submissions to the Education
ministry by the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ).
The Education ministry has invited submissions from teacher
unions and other stakeholders on the issue of learning in the face of COVID-19
and measures to take when schools open for the second term.
In its submissions dated April 26, PTUZ said a risk
allowance for teachers was non-negotiable as the educators were at high risk
through interactions with tens of students from different backgrounds daily.
“The government should pay a meaningful risk allowance to
teachers since they are frontline workers in the fight against the disease
since it is a non-contestable fact that teachers interact with thousands of
children from a diversity of backgrounds per day,” PTUZ secretary-general
Raymond Majongwe wrote.
“We want to state without any equivocation that our members
are not prepared to take the risk of teaching classes with more than 20
learners for nothing as the consequences are dire. As a union, it would be an
abdication of responsibility if we sacrifice the lives of our members at the
altar of national expediency.”
Indications are that schools opening will be pushed back by
more weeks or months, with the PTUZ suggesting a mid-July review of the
prevailing situation before a final decision could be made.
There have been suggestions of virtual learning, but the
digital divide among learners in the rural and urban set-up makes it
impossible, educators have argued.
The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council has revealed that
it has been forced to push back the June examinations by a month in the face of
the COVID-19 scare.
“It would be grossly irresponsible for the government to
re-open schools at a time when it is not clear whether we are moving forward,
backward or stationary in terms of managing the novel disease,” Majongwe added
as the PTUZ warned against “exhibiting Dutch courage” towards a disease that
has knocked economies and health systems globally. Newsday
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