GOVERNMENT has de-centralised the recruitment of teachers to districts while encouraging qualified educators to register with the Public Service database in what is seen as an acknowledgement of the need for more educators, NewsDay can report.
Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerai Moyo told delegates attending the World Teachers’ Day commemorations in Gokwe last week that as of December 2023, government counted 86 043 primary school teachers with a further 50 438 secondary schools totaling 136 481.
Moyo’s sentiments come after the educators also demanded a minimum salary of US$1 260 per month amid a heavy workload and a deteriorating environment which has seen a sharp depreciation of the Zimbabwe Gold local currency.
The demands, made during the same commemorations, come amid rising prices of basic commodities which have left employees on the brink.
“We acknowledge the need for more teachers to address the current high teacher-pupil ratio. To this end, we have decentralised recruitment to districts and encourage qualified educators to register with the Public Service Database,” Moyo said.
He said the government was committed to resuscitating the teacher capacity development programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education to ensure “our teachers are well-prepared for emerging challenges”.
The World Teachers' Day has been designated by Unesco to recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of teachers worldwide. It has been celebrated on October 5 since its inception in 1994.
Moyo said the ministry had made strides in enhancing educational quality through initiatives including the school improvement grants which have refurbished classrooms and improved teacher accommodations.
- Treasury fails to fund teacher recruitment
- Parly demands answers from Education ministry
- Outcry over ECD poor funding
- Govt sets up schools natural disaster fund
Keep Reading
“As we embrace this year’s theme, the Ministry has undertaken transformative steps to empower our teaching workforce. The heritage-based curriculum will align our educational focus with the production of goods and services through school-based projects, paving the way for Zimbabwe to advance towards an upper middle-class economy.
“This curriculum will not only enhance vocational and technical education but will also make subjects like Mathematics, Science and Heritage Studies compulsory, grounding our students in their culture and history,” he said.
Moyo said government would continue to equip Zimbabwean children with the skills and knowledge necessary for participation in the country’s development.
“Teachers are the linchpins in this endeavour, recognised not just for their role in education but as pivotal players in sustainable development. As we move forward, I urge all teachers to uphold the highest moral standards, guided by the principles of ubuntu/unhu/vumunhu,” he said.
“You are the torchbearers of our society, shaping the future of our nation. Together, we can achieve greatness for our students and our country.”
