Story by Tafara Chikumira
Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Teachers’ Day on October 5, highlighting the critical role teachers play in shaping society
This year’s celebrations were marked at Nevana Primary School in Gokwe North District, where educators and officials gathered to acknowledge the teaching profession’s invaluable contributions. Educators took the opportunity to express their concerns, seeking better working conditions and incentives to preserve the dignity of their profession.
“Cde Minister, we toil in the classroom but we are suffering. We are calling for land be it from rural authorities or anywhere so that we become landlords. Our reputation is at stake as we are sometimes made to lodge at a house where there is your student. How am i supposed to control that student when she sometimes encounters the conflict between me the tenant and her mother the landlord,” ZIMTA president, Hakunei Maphosa.
“We are asking for the proper grading of teachers so that the profession doesn’t lose experienced educators due to frustration. We love our job and we believe it’s a calling. To be honest we are very patriotic and we are doing everything for the future generations. However, we have families to feed and obligations to be taken care of. Retain the dignity of the profession please,” said a teacher.
“We want land so that we can have some retirement zones. We also want to contribute to the nation development through agriculture. We also want cheap loans to start some businesses,” said another
In response, the minister of Primary and Secondary Education Honourable Torerai Moyo said Government is coming up with policies to protect the profession.
“As part of our commitment to enhancing the teaching profession, I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Teachers’ Professional Council of Zimbabwe. This council will serve as a platform for professional development, ensuring that teachers have access to ongoing training and resources. It will also promote best practices and uphold standards in our educational system and advocate for teachers’ rights and professional recognition. The council will ultimately contribute to better educational outcomes for students and strengthens the overall education system. We believe that by investing in the future of our children and ultimately our nation,” he said.
Primary and Secondary Education Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairpperson Honourable Ophias Murambiwa weighed in, “We are going to play our part in the upcoming budget. We want to push for funding so that you have adequate resources. With a good budget support your schools and remuneration will be just fine.”
October 5th marks World Teachers’ Day, a global celebration honoring the dedication, passion, and selflessness of educators worldwide, recognizing their vital role in shaping minds and building futures.
