THE Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) says its survey reveals that only 30% of the country’s educators have reported for duty, with the remainder reportedly staying away in protest over poor welfare conditions.
Schools opened for the first term on Tuesday.
Unions representing teachers said there was low morale among educators after the government shut the door on their request for a meeting to discuss welfare matters.
Artuz called for a week-long protest to force the government to the negotiating table.
“Teachers across the nation have voiced their collective grievances. A survey conducted has revealed that only 30% of teachers reported for duty,” the rural educators body said in a statement.
Added Artuz: “The poor working conditions have affected the well-being and functionality of the teaching workforce.
“The overwhelming debt burden faced by teachers due to insufficient salaries has led to financial instability.
“We urge the ministry to engage with the Minister of Finance to establish a sustainable debt relief programme and increase salaries to meet the cost of living.”
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Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said there was low morale among teachers.
“We are calling for restoration of purchasing power parity of teachers’ basic salary to US$540, including 30% of basic salary as hardship allowance, US$120 as school fees allowance, among others,” Zhou said in a written response.
He also said there should be a budget for the implementation of the new “unilaterally imposed” Heritage Based Curriculum.
“Without a budget, the envisaged new curriculum will be difficult to implement as teachers need to be workshopped over the standardisation and interoperability process and school-based projects,” he said.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro denied claims of a stay away when contacted for comment.
There was no official confirmation from ministries of Finance and Public Service at the time of going to print.
The education sector is beset with various challenges due to years of underfunding and neglect.
It has also emerged that thousands of teachers are quitting their jobs in frustration.
