Schools reopen as teachers promise crippling strike
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Loading... - Cecilia Were
- 09 May 2023
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Schools across Zimbabwe reopened their doors on Monday for the second term after a month-long closure for Easter and Independence holidays.
However, the week leading up to the reopening was a stressful time for many parents who scrambled to prepare their children for the new term. With the added pressure of the month-end when most parents receive their salaries, many were redirecting their funds towards their children's school needs.
Over the weekend, parents flooded the shops to buy stationery, and some were taken advantage of by opportunistic traders who sold school uniforms and stationery at inflated prices.
Mudereri, a Harare-based parent, shared her experience, saying that it was challenging to make preparations for her child, as they were trying hard to strike a financial balance. Since it is currently winter in Zimbabwe, children need blankets and new winter uniforms, but the money to buy them was scarce.
The reopening of schools has been marred by the sharp loss of value of the local currency against the US dollar and the steep rise of retail prices.
The uncertainty over teachers returning to work for the second term is another concern. Teachers are demanding an upward review of their salaries and have threatened to go on strike if the government does not heed their calls.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has announced that they will be reporting for duty twice a week until their demands for a fair living wage and an upward salary review of US $ 1,260 are met.
As the reopening of schools comes with various challenges, parents, teachers, and the government need to work together to ensure that the children's education is not disrupted.
