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Vongai Chinjeke Herald Reporter

Zimbabwe yesterday celebrated World Teachers’ Day, which was held under the theme “Teachers at the heart of education recovery.”

The day is celebrated every year on October 5 to celebrate teachers worldwide.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Teachers Association ( ZIMTA) said the commemorations were taking place under depressing experiences where the teaching fraternity had lost some educators and unionists who had succumbed to Covid19

“We pay special tribute to these departed colleagues and commiserate with all those who suffered the experiences of the pandemic, they were indeed in the frontline of Zimbabwe’s education survival and recovery,” Zimta said.

The organisation said despite the difficulties faced this year, it was imperative to build back better, with teachers at the heart of education recovery.

“Being at the centre of recovery means the nation has an obligation to provide for quality education, learners, teachers and all education personnel, all hands on deck ,to resuscitate education and ensure that teaching and learning continues to occur despite the odds. Education cannot wait,” said Zimta.

“Teachers being at the heart of education recovery call for a review of the conditions of learning and teaching and place these on a pedestal of professional recognition. Zimbabwe’s education remains an envy of many developing nations, let us reflect on teachers and review their socio-economic status.”

Education Coalition Of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) Ms Lydia Madyirapanze said the organisation was in support of this year’s theme in line with its mandate to support the attainment of SDG4 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all in Zimbabwe.

She said the determination, resilience, tolerance and endurance by teachers in the face of many daunting challenges could not be ignored. “In order to support teachers welfare and conditions of service ECOZI calls upon relevant Government sectors to engage in genuine policy and social dialogue with teachers and their teachers union with a view to arrive at lasting solutions .ECOZI exhorts all teachers union to work together to strengthen their conversation and dialogue with government in addressing teachers welfare issues. Agenda 2063 ,the Africa we want and the Zimbabwe we aspire cannot be fully achieved if the welfare of teachers and conditions of services are not constantly reviewed and addressed,” she said.

She said the organisation welcomed the new Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr Evelyn Ndlovu and expressed hope that the new minister would be ready to quickly institute and engage the teachers’ membership with a view to address their persistent plight .